What You Need for Online Notarization
To complete an online notarization, you must be at least 18, have six months of credit history, a U.S. address, and a U.S. document intended for use in the U.S., and be prepared with a U.S. SSN or ITIN for identity verification, a government-issued photo ID (and possibly a secondary ID), a valid email, and a device with audio and video capabilities to ensure a secure and compliant live video session.
Before your notarization session, make sure you meet a few requirements and have the right items ready. This article walks you through everything you need to get started, covering mandatory identity verification steps as well as the technical requirements for your hardware and software. Ensuring you're prepared will help keep your transaction secure and your live video session running smoothly.
Requirements
Before jumping in, make sure you meet all four of the following:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Credit History: At least 6 months of credit history to generate identity verification questions.
- U.S. Document: Must be intended for use within the U.S.
- U.S. Address: A current or previous U.S. residential address is required for identity verification.
What You'll Need
To keep your transaction secure and compliant, you will need to complete a few mandatory identity verification steps. Please have the following items on hand to begin:
- 1.
U.S. SSN or ITIN
- You'll need a U.S. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for knowledge-based authentication (KBA). The identifier must be tied to sufficient records to generate identity verification questions, such as credit history or vehicle registration.
- If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, you may be given the option to verify using selfie photos compared to your photo ID instead.
- 2.
Photo ID
- You'll need a government-issued photo ID for credential analysis. Some documents have specific ID requirements, so follow any instructions provided in your document. Some documents may also require a secondary ID, so review your document carefully before your session.
- 3.
Other Items
- A valid email address
- A device with audio and video capabilities for the live notary session
Exception: USPS Form 1583
If your document is a USPS Form 1583 (commonly sent through a virtual mailbox provider) and it has been set up as a Verification of Fact rather than a standard notarial Acknowledgment, a U.S. address is not required. A Verification of Fact does not include knowledge-based authentication, so a U.S. Social Security number, U.S. credit history, and U.S. address are not needed. This exception applies only to 1583 forms configured this way — all other documents, and 1583 forms set up as a standard Acknowledgment, still require a U.S. address.
Hardware and Software Requirements
A smooth session depends on a stable connection and the right setup. Review the requirements below to ensure your device, browser, and internet speed are optimized for a live video call.
- 1.
A Compatible Device
- A computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers
- A mobile device with audio and video capabilities
- 2.
A Supported Browser
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Notarize app for Apple or Android
Do not use the mobile app for real estate closings or any transaction initiated by a business. Use one of the browsers listed above. Your browser will also need permission to access your camera and microphone.
- 3.
A Strong Internet Connection
- A reliable internet connection is essential for a smooth video session with your notary.
Additional Help
If you have questions about what's needed for your specific document, review your document instructions and contact the document recipient. For technical help, contact Proof Support.
Related
Act as a Credible Identifying Witness – Proof Help Center
The article explains that acting as a credible identifying witness involves verifying your own identity with a government-issued photo ID and partial SSN/ITIN, joining a notarization meeting upon invitation, taking an oath to confirm the signer's identity when they lack standard ID, and then leaving once the notary completes the process.
Capture Selfie Photos for Identity Verification – Proof Help Center
The Proof Help Center explains that Selfie Comparison, an IAL2-compliant biometric verification method, securely verifies a signer's identity by automatically capturing real-time selfies and comparing them to their government-issued ID photos, with guidance on proper lighting, removing accessories, and using a smartphone to ensure clear images, and includes steps like centering the face and looking left and right for enhanced verification, serving as a primary or secondary identity check during the signing process.
Fully Online Closing Overview
A fully online closing allows you to complete all signing and notarization steps remotely using a device with camera and microphone, requiring identity verification via SSN/ITIN or photo ID, a U.S. address, and a live video session with a notary, all facilitated through the Proof platform without any printing or in-person appointments.
Identity Verification Overview – Proof Help Center
Proof's identity verification for notarizations varies by notary commission state and transaction type, offering four methods: IAL2-compliant verification (credential analysis plus selfie comparison), multi-step verification (combining knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, and/or selfie comparison), personal knowledge of identity (notary personally knows the signer), and credible identifying witness (a verified witness vouches for the signer).
What to Expect During Online Notarization with Proof
The article explains the step-by-step process of online notarization with Proof, detailing how users can start by uploading documents themselves or responding to an invite, then proceed through entering personal information, confirming location, and verifying identity to complete the notarization securely and efficiently.
How Online Car Dealerships Can Use Verified eSignatures
The article explains how online car dealerships can combat increasing fraud risks inherent in fully digital car-buying processes by using verified eSignatures, which combine layered identity verification, biometric checks, and legal compliance measures to ensure document authenticity, prevent impersonation, meet consumer demand for mobile convenience, accelerate financing approvals, and provide a secure, defensible record of every transaction.