U.S. citizens abroad
Notarizing bank and brokerage forms from abroad
U.S. banks, brokerages and retirement plan custodians sometimes ask for a notarized signature on forms such as account changes, beneficiary updates, withdrawals and closures. Living overseas makes that harder, but not impossible.
Matthew Coleman, NJ Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent. Cranford, NJ. Fee confirmed before your session. Card charged only after it is complete. We aim to confirm within 15 minutes, 7am to 9pm.
When this comes up
Moving abroad does not close your U.S. accounts. Many people keep them for years, and the paperwork still has to be signed correctly.
Ask the receiving party first
The most common reason a notarized document is rejected is that nobody checked what the other side would accept. Before you book, find out:
- Does the institution accept a remote online notarization? Many do, some do not, and policies often depend on the form.
- Is the form asking for a notary or for a signature guarantee? They are different. A signature guarantee, often a medallion guarantee, comes from a financial institution, not a notary.
- Do they have an address, a phone or an online process for foreign residents? Some institutions restrict service to customers abroad.
- Is the form current? Download the latest version from the institution.
- Does anyone else, such as a joint owner or trustee, need to sign?
How it works
- Ask the receiving party. Find out in writing whether it accepts a remote notarization and what kind of notarial act it needs.
- Send us the document. We check that it fits New Jersey's rules for a signer outside the United States. Tell us where you will be.
- Book a video session. Bring an unexpired government photo ID, a device with a camera and microphone, and a steady connection. Check the clock in both places.
- Sign on camera. We verify your identity, you sign when told to, and the notary completes the notarization.
- Send it on. You receive the notarized document to deliver or upload as the receiving party requires.
When a New Jersey notary can act
- The notary must be physically in New Jersey. You can be anywhere.
- The document must relate to a U.S. matter: it is filed with or before a U.S. court, public official or entity under U.S. jurisdiction, or it involves U.S. property or a transaction substantially connected with the United States.
- The act must not be prohibited where you are.
- The receiving party decides whether it accepts the result.
Mistakes that get paperwork rejected
- Confusing a notary with a signature guarantee. A notary cannot provide a medallion guarantee.
- Using an old form, which the institution may reject.
- Signing before the session.
- Forgetting that tax forms for foreign residents may be different. Ask the institution or your tax professional.
- Assuming one notarization covers several forms. Each form may need its own notarial act.
Questions
Can you give me a medallion signature guarantee?
No. A medallion guarantee comes from an eligible financial institution. A notary confirms identity and witnesses a signature.
Will my bank accept a notarization done by video?
It depends on the bank and the form. Ask them before you book.
Do you give financial advice?
No. We are not financial advisors. For decisions about your accounts, speak to your institution or an advisor you trust.
MCC Solutions is not a law firm and a notary cannot give legal advice, choose the type of notarization for you, or tell you what a document means. Ask the office or person who will receive the document what it needs, and ask a lawyer about the content.