Some paperwork has a special talent for showing up at the worst possible time.
The night before a flight. Right before a deadline. Or, my personal favorite, when someone casually says, “Oh, and you need to get that notarized.”
Wonderful. Another errand.
But here's something a lot of people still don't realize: you may not need to leave your house to get that document notarized.
With Remote Online Notarization (RON), eligible documents can be notarized through a secure, live video session. You verify your identity, sign electronically, and receive your completed document without driving across town or hunting down a notary during business hours.
And no, online notarization isn't just for real estate paperwork.
Here are five types of documents that might surprise you.
1. Parental Consent & Minor Travel Forms
Sending your child on vacation with Grandma? Planning an international trip where only one parent is traveling? Or maybe your teenager is heading out of state with another family?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to provide a notarized parental consent or travel authorization form.
The good news? Many of these forms may be eligible for remote online notarization.
That means one less thing to squeeze into your already packed schedule.
One thing to check: Airlines, government agencies, and international destinations can have specific requirements. Confirm whether the recipient accepts an electronically notarized document before scheduling.
2. Affidavits & Sworn Statements
“Affidavit” sounds like something that belongs in a courtroom drama, but they're actually used for all kinds of everyday situations.
You might encounter one when:
Making a sworn statement for an insurance matter
Confirming certain personal or financial information
Handling an administrative request
Submitting documentation for a legal or business matter
If your affidavit requires a notarized oath or affirmation, that may be completed during a remote video session.
You'll still need to verify your identity, and I'll administer the required oath or affirmation when the document calls for one.
Same official process, just without the drive.
3. Lease Guarantor & Rental-Related Forms
Helping your college student rent their first apartment? Signing paperwork for a property in another state? Or dealing with rental documents while you're out of town?
Some landlords and property managers request notarized signatures on documents such as:
Lease guarantor forms
Certain occupancy statements
Rental-related affidavits
Other authorization forms
When notarization is required and the receiving party accepts electronically notarized documents, Remote Online Notarization may be an option.
One thing to know: Most standard residential leases don't automatically require notarization. Always confirm what the property manager needs before scheduling.
Because nobody wants to redo paperwork. Especially paperwork involving a security deposit.
4. Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is one of those documents people often don't think about until they really need it.
Maybe you're:
Helping an aging parent manage important affairs
Authorizing someone to handle a particular transaction
Preparing estate planning documents
Arranging for someone to act on your behalf
Depending on the document and applicable state requirements, remote online notarization may be an option.
However, powers of attorney can have additional signing requirements, including witnesses. For example, Arizona durable powers of attorney have specific execution and witnessing rules.
That's why I recommend checking the document's requirements and confirming acceptance with the attorney or organization receiving it before scheduling.
I'll handle the notarization process, but the document's legal requirements need to be established beforehand.
5. Business Documents & Authorization Forms
Business owners, this one's for you.
If you've ever spent half your day dealing with paperwork, you already know how quickly a “simple signature” can turn into a project.
Some business-related documents may require notarization, including:
Certain business agreements
Corporate or organizational affidavits
Authorized representative statements
Signature acknowledgments
Other administrative forms requiring a notarial act
When the document and receiving organization permit it, RON can be a convenient way to handle the notarization without coordinating an in-person meeting.
Just remember that not every business form requires a notary, and some financial transactions require a different type of signature verification.
It's worth confirming exactly what's needed first.
So, How Does Online Notarization Actually Work?
It's much simpler than people expect.
Here's the general process:
1. Schedule your appointment. Choose a time that works for you.
2. Upload your document. I'll review it for notarial preparation and any obvious logistical requirements.
3. Verify your identity. Complete the secure platform's required identity verification.
4. Join the video session. We'll meet online, and you'll electronically sign where appropriate.
5. Receive your notarized document. Once the session is successfully completed, you'll have access to the electronically notarized file.
No driving. No printer scavenger hunt. No sitting in a waiting room.
Just you, your document, and your notary.
Can You Notarize Any Document Online?
Not quite.
And I'd rather tell you that upfront than have you pay for a notarization you can't use.
Whether RON is appropriate depends on several factors, including:
The document's specific requirements
Applicable state laws
Any required witnesses
Whether the receiving organization accepts electronic notarization
Your ability to complete the platform's identity verification process
A document can be properly notarized online and still be rejected by an organization that requires an original paper document or wet-ink signatures.
That's why checking acceptance beforehand matters.
Let's Make One Thing on Your To-Do List Easier
I'm Joselyn, owner of What A Concept Mobile Notary Services, and I'm an Arizona-commissioned notary offering remote online notarization to eligible clients nationwide.
My goal is pretty simple: make getting something notarized the easiest part of your day.
If you're wondering whether your document qualifies for online notarization, reach out. I'm happy to help you figure out the appointment logistics and whether RON is a good fit.
Your Notary, Your Way.
📞 Call or text: (480) 942-8088
📩 Questions? Contact What A Concept
Ready to get started? Book a Remote Online Notary Appointment with What A Concept Mobile Notary Services.
