As the world becomes increasingly digital, online notarization has gained significant traction across the United States. This convenient service allows individuals to notarize documents remotely, using secure video conferencing platforms and e-signatures. However, when it comes to international document use, one pressing question arises: Can electronically notarized documents be apostilled?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Apostilles and Online Notarization
An apostille is a certification issued under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, authenticating the origin of a public document so it can be recognized in another member country.
Traditionally, apostilles were issued for physically notarized documents. However, with the advent of Remote Online Notarization (RON), states have had to adapt their laws to accommodate e-notarized documents in the apostille process.
Online notarization is currently legal in most U.S. states, but the process of obtaining an apostille for e-notarized documents is not yet universally supported.
The Current Landscape Across the 50 States
While many states have embraced online notarization, only a select few have addressed the challenge of apostilling electronically notarized documents. As of now, only Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas offer apostille certification for documents notarized electronically.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Florida - Florida is at the forefront of digital notarization and apostille services. The state has a robust framework to validate electronically notarized documents for apostilles, ensuring compliance with both state and international standards.
2. Kentucky - Kentucky allows electronically notarized documents to be apostilled, provided they meet the necessary requirements and use the state-approved RON platforms. The Secretary of State's office verifies the notary's credentials and confirms the validity of the notarization before issuing an apostille.
3. Michigan - If the document was properly notarized by a Michigan Notary Public that has signed up for the platform that was utilized. It can be apostilled.
4. Texas - Make sure your documents are not recordable documents and they were notarized within the past five years.
When using remote online notarization (RON) services from a Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, or Texas notary, you don’t need to be physically present in either state. Thanks to modern technology and the flexibility of RON laws, you can be located anywhere in the United States—or even abroad.
This convenience is a significant advantage of remote notarization. Whether you’re traveling internationally, residing in a different state, or simply seeking a hassle-free notarization process and the further apostille process, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, or Texas notaries can securely and legally notarize your documents online.
For the remaining 477 states, DC, and other US territories, electronically notarized documents cannot currently be apostilled. Instead, individuals often need to seek notarization in a traditional way, which means the signer appears face-to-face in front of a notary signs the document, and then the notary offers signature and stamp. This notarized document then can be sent for an apostille.
The Future of Apostilling E-Notarized Documents
The limited adoption of apostille services for online notarization underscores the ongoing challenge of aligning state and international regulations. As the demand for RON continues to grow, states are likely to adapt their laws to support apostilles for e-notarized documents. In the meantime, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas serve as pioneers, paving the way for what could become a nationwide standard.
Need Help Apostilling Your Documents?
At American Notary Service Center, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complex process of document authentication, including obtaining apostilles for various types of notarized documents.
Whether you're in the above-mentioned states or another state, we can assist in ensuring your documents meet the requirements for international use.
1. Order the Apostille service for your notarized documents.
2. If your document has been electronically notarized by a remote online notary from Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, or Texas, please email us the digitally notarized document (with your order#).
For a document notarized traditionally using pen and paper, no matter which state it was notarized, kindly mail us the original notarized document (physical copy), with your order#.
Email Address:
Mailing Address:
American Notary Service Center
7512 Diplomat Drive, Suite 101,
Manassas, VA 20109
Check the current processing time for your state here.
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.