U.S. citizens abroad
Online notary for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad
Need a U.S. notary and cannot get to an embassy? A New Jersey notary can meet you by secure video from wherever you are, for the documents the law allows.
How it works
Four steps
- Tell us the document and where you are. We check that it fits New Jersey's rules for a signer outside the United States.
- Book a video session. Bring an unexpired government photo ID and a device with a camera, a microphone and a stable connection.
- Sign on camera. We verify your identity online, you sign electronically in front of the notary, and the notary applies an electronic seal.
- Receive the notarized document. The session is recorded and kept as the law requires.
What the law requires
When a New Jersey notary can help
- The notary must be physically in New Jersey. You can be anywhere.
- The document must be a record to be filed with or related to a matter before a U.S. court, public official or other entity under U.S. jurisdiction, or involve U.S. property or a transaction substantially connected with the United States.
- The act must not be prohibited by the foreign country where you are.
Sources: Holland & Knight and Stavvy. We do not know any country's local law, and this is not legal advice. Check with the person receiving the document, and with a lawyer if you are unsure.
Common documents
What people bring
- Powers of attorney for a U.S. property sale, purchase or refinance
- Deeds and affidavits tied to U.S. real estate
- Bank, brokerage and retirement account forms that require a notary
- Estate documents for a U.S. matter (ask your attorney first, since wills have witness rules)
- Business documents for a U.S. company
Embassies
Why not the embassy?
The U.S. State Department says embassies and consulates charge $50 for each consular seal, that you must appear in person, that you should not sign before your appointment, and that they do not offer remote or virtual services. Check the embassy's own page for current rules and availability.
An embassy is the right place for some documents, so we tell you honestly when it is.
Countries
Find your country
- Mexico
- Canada
- The United Kingdom
- Germany
- Israel
- The Philippines
- The Dominican Republic
- Italy
- France
- Australia
- Spain
- Japan
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Portugal
- Thailand
- The United Arab Emirates
Somewhere else? The same rules apply. See remote online notarization or apostilles for documents used abroad.
FAQ
Common questions
Can I get a document notarized online from abroad?
Often, yes. A New Jersey notary can notarize for a signer outside the United States when the record is to be filed with or relates to a matter under U.S. jurisdiction or involves U.S. property, and when the act is not prohibited where the signer is. Tell us the document and we confirm before booking.
Does the U.S. embassy in your country's capital notarize documents?
The U.S. State Department says embassies and consulates charge $50 for each consular seal, that you must appear in person, that you should not sign before your appointment, and that they do not offer remote or virtual services. Check the embassy's own page for current rules and availability.
What does it cost?
Remote online notarization starts at $40 plus the New Jersey notarial fee set by the state, and we quote the total before the session is confirmed.