Step 1 · Identity Requirements
Valid government-issued photo ID
Virginia law requires IAL2-compliant identity verification for all Remote Online Notarizations. Your ID must be valid, unexpired, and issued by a government authority.
⚠️ Critical ID Requirements — No Exceptions
- Your ID must NOT expire within 6 months of your session date
- The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your document
- Expired IDs are never accepted — even by one day
- Photocopies or digital images of IDs are not accepted
- IDs must be issued by a US federal or state government authority
Accepted ID types:
Driver's License
US state-issued · Valid + unexpired
US Passport
Book or passport card · Valid + unexpired
State ID Card
Non-driver state ID · Valid + unexpired
Student ID
Not accepted
Work/Employee ID
Not accepted
Foreign ID
Not accepted for RON
Step 2 · Physical Presence Requirements
YOU must be present — no exceptions
Remote Online Notarization requires the actual signer to be physically present on camera throughout the entire session. There are no exceptions to this rule.
You must:
- ✓Be the actual person signing the document
- ✓Be physically present on camera at all times
- ✓Hold your ID up to the camera when asked
- ✓Be acting voluntarily and of your own free will
- ✓Be of sound mind and legal signing age
- ✓Remain on camera until the session is complete
You must NOT:
- ✗Sign on behalf of someone else remotely
- ✗Have someone assist you off-camera
- ✗Leave the camera during the session
- ✗"My uncle in Australia needs this notarized"
- ✗Sign under duress or coercion
- ✗Use a Power of Attorney to sign for another person
💡 What about Power of Attorney documents?
If you are signing a Power of Attorney document FOR YOURSELF — that is perfectly fine. However, you cannot use an existing Power of Attorney to sign on behalf of another person during a RON session. The person whose name is on the document must be present.
Step 3 · Environment Requirements
Your location and setup matters
The quality of your environment directly affects the validity of your notarization. Virginia law requires a clear, verifiable visual record of the session.
Lighting requirements:
- ✓Well-lit location — your face must be clearly visible
- ✓Light source in FRONT of you — not behind
- ✓No shadows across your face
- ✗No backlighting — sitting in front of a window
- ✗No ghost shadows or dim lighting
- ✗No sunglasses or face coverings
Background & space:
- ✓Clean, clear, uncluttered background
- ✓Quiet private space — no interruptions
- ✓You must be alone or with only session participants
- ✗No distracting or inappropriate backgrounds
- ✗No other people visible who are not part of session
- ✗No virtual backgrounds that obscure your surroundings
Camera & audio requirements:
- ✓Sharp, clear camera — no blurry or pixelated video
- ✓Working microphone — you must be clearly heard
- ✓Stable internet connection — no freezing or dropping
- ✓Modern browser — Chrome or Microsoft Edge recommended
- ✗No blurry, out-of-focus or low-resolution camera
- ✗No phone propped against objects at odd angles
Step 4 · Document Requirements
Your document must be ready
Upload your document when booking so we can review it before the session. The document must be complete, legible and ready for notarization.
Document must be:
- ✓Complete — all pages present and in order
- ✓Legible — all text clearly readable
- ✓In PDF format for upload
- ✓The correct document for the notarial act requested
- ✓Unsigned at time of session (you sign during the session)
Document must NOT be:
- ✗A photocopy of an original document
- ✗Partially completed or missing pages
- ✗Already signed before the session
- ✗Altered, modified or tampered with
- ✗Illegible or heavily redacted
Step-by-Step Guide
How your session works
Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish during your Remote Online Notarization session.
1
Book your appointment online
Complete the booking form at notary4notary.com/booking.html. Select your service type, preferred date and time, and upload your document. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly after.
💡 Tip: Upload your document at booking so we can review it beforehand and ensure everything is in order.
2
Receive your secure session link
Once your appointment is confirmed, you'll receive a unique secure session link by email. This link is for you only — do not share it with anyone else.
💡 Tip: Save this email. Your session link will not be resent automatically.
3
Prepare your environment
Before the session, ensure you're in a well-lit, quiet location with a clean background. Test your camera and microphone. Have your government-issued photo ID ready and your document open for reference.
💡 Tip: Do a quick camera test on your device beforehand to ensure you're clearly visible and well-lit.
4
Complete identity verification
Click your session link and enter your details. You'll complete a real-time identity verification powered by Stripe — this includes scanning your government ID and taking a live selfie. This is required by Virginia law.
💡 Tip: Have your ID ready to scan and be in good lighting for the selfie. The process takes about 60 seconds.
5
Join the live video session
After verification, you'll join a live encrypted video session with your notary. Your document will be displayed on screen for review. The session is recorded as required by Virginia Code § 47.1.
6
Sign your document electronically
Your notary will guide you through reviewing the document. You'll then sign electronically using the signature widget — you can draw your signature or type your name.
💡 Tip: Your electronic signature is legally binding and equivalent to a handwritten signature under Virginia law.
7
Complete payment
Payment is required before the notary seal is applied. You can pay via Stripe (credit/debit card), Zelle to info@notary4notary.com, or Venmo to @notary4notary.
8
Receive your notarized documents
After payment and seal application, you'll receive two documents by email: your signed original document and your official Notarial Certificate of Acknowledgment — both sealed with an IdenTrust PKI digital certificate.
💡 Tip: Save both documents in a secure location. The notarial certificate is your legal proof of notarization.
Ready to get notarized?
Book your Remote Online Notarization session today. Available 7 days a week, flexible hours, from anywhere in the US.
Book your session →Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign on behalf of an elderly parent who can't use a computer?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be physically present on camera and must personally sign the document. If your parent cannot participate in a video session, an in-person notarization may be more appropriate.
My driver's license expires in 4 months — can I still use it?
No. Your ID must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your session date. Please renew your ID before booking or use an alternative accepted ID such as a passport.
I'm in another state — can I still use this service?
Yes! Our notary is Virginia-commissioned and RON-authorized. Virginia RON notarizations are legally recognized in all 50 states. You can be located anywhere in the US during your session.
Will the session be recorded?
Yes. Virginia Code § 47.1 requires all RON sessions to be recorded and archived for a minimum of 10 years. You will be notified at the start of the session and must consent to recording before proceeding.
What if my internet connection is unstable during the session?
If the connection drops, the session may need to be rescheduled. We recommend using a wired internet connection or being close to your WiFi router. Test your connection before the session.