--- title: "Online Notary for a Signer Outside the U.S. | MCC Solutions" description: "Can a notary notarize over video for someone abroad? Typical limits, ID checks and what to confirm before you book." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/remote-notarization-when-the-signer-is-outside-the-us" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Remote Notarization When the Signer Is Outside the U.S. Expats, students and travelers often need a U.S. document notarized while overseas. Remote online notarization can help, but it comes with location and document limits. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** In New Jersey and most states the notary must be physically in the state during a remote session, while rules on a signer located outside the country are looser in some states, with conditions. The notary should confirm the state's rule before agreeing. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## The notary's location matters most In New Jersey and most states, the notary must be physically in the state during the session. The signer's location rules are looser in some states, with conditions. The notary should confirm the state's rule on signers located outside the country before agreeing. If the notary is outside the state, they are not authorized to perform the act, even if the signer is in the state. If the notary's location rule is strict, a signer who happens to be traveling is no problem, as long as the notary stays in the state. ## Typical conditions for foreign signers States that allow signers abroad often require that the document relates to U.S. matters, such as property, a U.S. court case, or a U.S. business, or that it will not be filed in a foreign jurisdiction. Some say the act must be legal in the signer's location. These conditions vary. The notary may ask where the signer is and what the paper is for. Because rules change, the notary's current guidance is more reliable than anything you read online, including this guide. ## Identity checks across borders A U.S. passport is the easiest ID. Foreign passports can work, but credential analysis may fail on unfamiliar formats. Knowledge-based questions often fail for people with little U.S. credit history. Plan an alternative, such as a video identity check, if state law and the platform allow. Expect more review time than for a local signer. A consular office of the U.S. government abroad may be required for certain kinds of documents, so check with the recipient before choosing remote options. ## Time zones, connection and language Schedule in a time slot that suits both sides, with a stable connection. Time zones can push sessions late at night. Language support matters if the notary and signer need an interpreter. The signer may need to show the room, the document and the ID clearly on camera. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## After the session If the document is headed to a foreign office, ask them whether they accept a remotely performed U.S. notarization. Some require an apostille, and some require an in-person notarization. The apostille office may also have its own rules on electronic notarizations. Check before you spend money. Alternatives include visiting a U.S. embassy or consulate, which offers notarial services in many locations. ## A planning checklist Before booking, write down the document name, the purpose, who will receive it, and whether the recipient is in the U.S. or abroad. Then ask the recipient whether a remote notarization is acceptable. Next, check the notary's state rules on foreign signers. Finally, test the ID: will the platform take your foreign passport? Do a trial run of the technology a day before if possible. ## Mistakes that get documents rejected Assuming any notarization works abroad is wrong; the receiving office decides what it accepts. Other problems are a weak connection, an ID the platform does not accept, and time-zone mix-ups. Test the technology and check the destination's requirements first. Whether remote notarization is allowed for a signer outside the country depends on the law that governs the notary and the platform. ## Checklist before you book Confirm the receiving office accepts a remote notarization. Check the ID type. Test the camera, microphone and internet. Pick a time that works in both time zones. ## Common questions **Is a remote notarization abroad valid?** That depends on state law, the document's purpose and the receiving office. Confirm acceptance before starting. **Can I use a foreign notary instead?** Some U.S. recipients accept foreign notarizations with an apostille, while others do not. Ask the recipient what they accept. ## More notary guides - [Does a Notarization Expire? What Offices Look For](/notary/guides/does-a-notarization-expire) - [Affidavit of Lost Document: Steps and Notary Role](/notary/guides/lost-document-affidavit-notary-guide) - [Remote Notarization ID Rejected: Troubleshooting Steps](/notary/guides/remote-notarization-id-rejected-troubleshooting) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notarize documents online over secure video with a New Jersey notary. ID verification, electronic seal and a recorded session. Book a RON session. Remote online notary →](/notary/remote-online-notarization)[### Apostille Services We notarize your document and handle the New Jersey apostille for use abroad. State fee and our fee quoted up front. Powers of attorney, affidavits, school records. Apostille services →](/notary/apostille-services)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Remote Notary Setup Kit You've read the rules. This is the part where you file, choose a platform, set up records and run your first month, with every date and score tracked. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)