Notary Public & Remote Online Notarization

OVERVIEW

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization, or RON, allows a Florida-commissioned notary to notarize documents for a signer located anywhere in the world through secure, live audio-video communication, rather than meeting in person.

Florida has authorized Remote Online Notarization under Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II. Under Florida law, appearing before a notary now includes appearing by live two-way video, which means Miami Dade Apostille can notarize documents for clients anywhere on earth, as long as they have a valid photo ID, an internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

The notary must remain physically located in Florida during the session, but the signer does not need to be in Florida, in the United States, or anywhere near Miami. This makes remote online notarization the most practical option for expatriates, non-citizens abroad, military families stationed overseas, and anyone who cannot appear in person.

THE PROCESS

How Remote Online Notarization Works

Getting a document notarized remotely follows a simple sequence: schedule a session, connect by secure video, verify identity, sign and notarize, and receive your completed document electronically.

1. 1

   Schedule your session. Contact Miami Dade Apostille to set up a remote online notarization appointment and let us know which document needs to be notarized.

2. 2

   Connect by secure video. At your scheduled time, you'll join a live audio-video session with a Florida-commissioned online notary. You do not need to be in Miami, Florida, or even the United States to join.

3. 3

   Identity verification. You'll present a valid, unexpired photo ID on camera. Under Florida law, identity is further verified through credential analysis and additional identity-proofing steps, which may include knowledge-based authentication questions depending on your situation.

4. 4

   Sign and notarize. The notary witnesses your signature live over video, and the notarial act is completed and recorded, exactly as Florida law requires.

5. 5

   Receive your document. Your notarized document is delivered electronically, complete with the notary's digital seal and signature.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Who Can Use Remote Online Notarization

Remote online notarization is built for exactly the situations where an in-person notary isn't practical: clients living abroad, non-citizens outside the United States, military families stationed overseas, business travelers, and anyone anywhere in the world who needs a document notarized without flying to Miami.

Non-U.S. citizens and international clients can use remote online notarization, provided they can present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID and complete the required identity verification steps under Florida law. Eligibility is determined during the verification process — a foreign passport alone does not guarantee the ability to complete all required verification steps.

SECURITY

Identity Verification & Security

Every remote online notarization session includes identity verification through a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID presented on camera, along with additional identity-proofing steps required under Florida law. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 117, credential analysis and identity proofing are cumulative requirements unless a statutory personal-knowledge basis applies — not alternatives.

The entire session is recorded by audio and video, as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 117, and the recording is retained in accordance with state law. Your completed document is delivered as a tamper-evident electronic file bearing the notary's official digital seal and signature, carrying the same legal standing as a traditional in-person notarization.

DOCUMENT TYPES

Documents We Notarize Remotely and In Person

Miami Dade Apostille notarizes a wide range of legal, financial, real estate, business, and vehicle-related documents, either remotely through RON or in person for local Miami clients.

A notary witnesses signatures and administers oaths, but cannot certify copies of vital records such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, and does not notarize divorce decrees or judgments, since those require certified copies from the issuing court or vital records office. The documents below reflect what a notary can properly notarize.

LOCAL OPTION

In-Person Notary Support in Miami

For clients who are local to Miami or who simply prefer to sign in person, Miami Dade Apostille also provides traditional, in-office notarization at our two Miami locations: 2915 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 300-1, Miami, FL 33137, and 10166 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174.

Remote online notarization and in-person notarization carry the same legal weight under Florida law. Which option makes sense for you generally comes down to your location and personal preference.

NEXT STEPS

After Notarization: Translation & Apostille

If your notarized document needs to be used outside the United States, it may require a federal or state apostille, depending on the type of document, along with a certified translation into the language of the destination country.

Documents notarized through Florida remote online notarization can generally be apostilled by the Florida Department of State for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, subject to appropriate submission format and authority review. Miami Dade Apostille can assist with apostille and certified translation once your document is notarized.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Remote Online Notary FAQ