Will They Accept My Online Notarization? What to Ask Before You Book

An online notarization can be convenient, but the completed document still needs to work for the person or organization receiving it. Before you book, ask that recipient whether it accepts an electronically signed and remotely notarized document. A quick conversation now may prevent a delay when it is time to submit your paperwork.

Who is the receiving party?

The receiving party is whoever will use or process your document after notarization. It might be a bank handling a power of attorney, a title company managing a closing, an employer collecting an authorization, or an agency reviewing an application. If someone gave you the form or asked you to have it notarized, that person is a good starting point for finding the right contact.

Five questions to ask before your online appointment

1. “Will you accept a document notarized remotely by a Virginia-commissioned electronic notary?”
2. “Will you accept an electronically signed and notarized file, or do you require a paper original?”
3. “Do you require a particular form, certificate, file format, or delivery method?”
4. “Does anyone else need to sign or serve as a witness?”
5. “Are there any deadlines or special instructions from your department, lender, or title company?”

Ask for the answer from the team that will actually process the document. A general customer service representative may not know the requirements for a specific transaction. If the answer is unclear, request written instructions or ask whom you should contact for confirmation.

Why does acceptance matter?

A notary verifies identity and performs the requested notarial act, but the notary does not decide whether a bank, agency, recorder, or other recipient will accept a particular document. Requirements can depend on the document, transaction, and receiving party. Confirming those requirements helps you choose the appropriate signing method before you pay for an appointment.

What should you tell Epic Signature Solutions?

Tell us what type of document you have, where you are located, where the document will be submitted, and what the receiving party said about online notarization. Let us know about additional signers, witnesses, or a required paper original. We can review the notarial appointment requirements with you, while questions about the document’s legal effect should go to its preparer or receiving party.

If your recipient accepts a remote electronically notarized document, request an instant quote and tell us what you need. California residents can also use our California eligibility check before booking. Epic Signature Solutions provides remote online notarization through a Virginia-commissioned electronic notary for eligible appointments; acceptance of the completed document remains subject to the receiving party’s requirements.