Prepare for the session
What you need for a video notary session from abroad
Most delays come from the ID, the connection or the time difference. A short checklist avoids all three.
The checklist
- An unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. Name and photo must be clear on camera.
- A device with a working camera and microphone. A computer is easier than a phone for reading and signing.
- A steady connection, with a backup such as a phone hotspot.
- A quiet, well-lit room where only the signers are present, unless the notary has agreed to others.
- The document in final form, with no blanks, and any printouts requested by the receiving office.
- A pen, if the document is printed, and nothing signed in advance.
- The time worked out in both places. Our country pages show a clock table: find your country.
What happens on camera
The notary verifies your identity, asks you to confirm the document, watches you sign when instructed, and completes the notarization. Do not sign beforehand. A notary cannot give legal advice or explain what the document does.
Why sessions get restarted
- The ID is expired, cracked or unreadable on camera.
- The name on the ID does not match the name on the document.
- A page is missing or the document changed after it was sent.
- The connection drops partway through.
- Someone signed before the session.
Not sure your document qualifies? Try the quick check or see documents by type.
Questions
What ID works?
An unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, is commonly used. We confirm what we can accept when you book, since the identity check has to work on camera.
Do I need a U.S. driver's license?
Not necessarily. Many people overseas use a passport. Confirm with us before the session.
What if my ID expires soon?
Check the expiry date before you book. An expired ID will not work, and a document may need to be redone.
Can I use a phone?
Often, yes, if it has a working camera, a microphone and a steady connection. A computer is usually easier for reading and signing.
What if my connection drops?
Tell us at the start where you are and what backup you have, such as a phone hotspot. The session may need to restart.
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.