Faster Than a Pizza Delivery! How Does Remote Online Notarization Work Anyway?

Did you know that a remote online notarization can take as little as 15 minutes to complete? Online notarizations are fast, secure, and convenient for everyone.

At CloudSign Notary, we make the notarization process simple, secure, and convenient. No in-person appointment needed. Here’s how it works when you choose remote online notarization:

Step 1: Identification Review: You’ll receive clear instructions in advance explaining how to submit your government-issued photo ID, how we will confirm your identity and what to expect during the video call. Once that’s done, we move to the online meeting.

Step 2: Join the Video Conference: You’ll join me, your notary, in a live video conference. Before anything is signed, we discuss that the session will be both audio- and video-recorded, and that the notarization will become part of our electronic notary journal — just as required by law. Because we’re performing a remote online notarization under Virginia law, this meets the same legal standard as in-person notarization (and often involves even stricter identity-proofing).

Step 3: Consent to Recording and Verify Understanding: Once you’ve confirmed you’re comfortable with the recording and the remote format, I’ll walk you through a series of questions. You’ll confirm your identity, that you understand the document, and that you’re signing voluntarily and with the necessary mental capacity. The goal is to prevent fraud and ensure the act is valid under the law.

Step 4: Document Signing & Notarial Act: Now that you’re ready, you’ll complete your portion of the signing. If the document calls for an oath or affirmation (such as a jurat) or an additional acknowledgement certificate, we’ll handle that seamlessly during the session. Because we’re working electronically, we can attach the correct certificate language and not rely on loose-leaf paper. After you sign, I complete my part — I insert the appropriate notarial wording, apply my digital stamp and indicate that this notarization was conducted online at the same standard as an in-person act.

Step 5: Finalizing & Journal Entry: Once everything is signed and notarized, the document is locked and secured. We then record the details in our notary journal, just as required in Virginia for remote notarizations. LawDepot+1 After that, I share with you the fully notarized document and any supporting information you may need for your records or to provide to third parties.

Why This Matters: Remote online notarization offers great convenience, but also requires strict identity verification, transparent recording and full documentation to meet legal standards in Virginia. By guiding you carefully through each step, I ensure the process is smooth, reliable and fully compliant. With CloudSign Notary, you get not just a notary, but a trusted partner who takes care of the details for you. Call or text us today to get your notarization completed at 804-625-4975.