You can sign legal agreements and get documents notarized without opening your front door. Here’s how.
While many U.S. residents have been ordered to stay home, there’s much uncertainty as to how to keep legal paperwork moving. Many servers are being pounded with requests for advance directives, power of attorney forms, living wills, and more, but the traditional approach of signing calls for people and pens. Finding the forms isn’t complex — but having them signed and authenticated without direct human contact is.
Thankfully, there are a number of easy-to-use digital resources at hand. The following will help you legally fill out, sign, witness, and notarize documents without having to leave your couch.
Did you know? The federal E-SIGN1 act of 2000 mandates that electronically signed documents possess the same authenticity as paper-and-ink signatures.
Contents
- How to Get Documents Notarized With an Online Notary Public
- What if My Document Needs Multiple Witnesses?
- eSignature Services (no Notary)
- Where to Find Legal Documents Online
- Video
- Sources
How to Get Documents Notarized Online
If you’re in a state that requires the notarization of specific documents, Notarize.com offers 24-7 notary services with an online notary public. Virtual signing can be completed from your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone, and a single document costs $25.
The process is quite simple. You’ll first upload a PDF or take a picture of a document with the company’s app. Your identity will be confirmed, and you’ll then connect with a notary via a video call from your device. After verification and signing are complete, the results are instant — you’ll be able to download and send your notarized forms immediately.
- Per-document price: $25
State-by-State Signing Requirements Requirements
Each state has distinct laws for notarization and witness requirements — and different forms have different rules, even when signed in the same state. Not sure if your state requires a notary for certain documents? Check here for state-by-state notary requirements for the following:
- Advance Directive/Living Will
- Deed Forms – Quit Claim and Warranty Deeds
- Last Will and Testament (Will)
- Power of Attorney
It’s important to note that while some forms may not require a notary, many individuals prefer to get most legal documents notarized because of the added layer of protection.
What If My Document Needs Multiple Witnesses?
Many legal documents require a witness’ signature. (State-by-state witness requirements can also be found at the above links.) If your form needs a witness and a notary, you can still have your document notarized, provided that your witness is able to be in the same room with you. Be sure to review witness restrictions before setting up an appointment.
If your form requires multiple signers, the first signer would finish the process with their online notary and send the partially completed document to the next signer. The next signer would then upload the document and connect with another notary. If there are more signers, the process continues along until the last signature is validated.
eSignatures Services (no Notary)
If you have a legal document that doesn’t require a notary, there are many websites that make signing electronic, legally-binding documents simple. A few notable websites are:
- DocuSign – Free 30-day trial
- SignRequest – Free 14-day trial
- HelloSign – Free 30-day trial
Where to Find Legal Documents Online
If you need rental agreements, advance directives, wills, loan agreements, or any other type of legal form, eForms has thousands of free documents at your disposal. Download them in an instant, and use Notarize.com if a notary public is required by your state.