Can You Notarize a Document Remotely Before Getting an Apostille?

Sometimes. Whether a remote online notarization can be used before an apostille depends on the type of document, the state that issues the apostille, and the country where the document will be used.

Which documents need notarizing first

Documents signed by a private person, such as affidavits, powers of attorney, and some business and school documents, generally need to be notarized before a state will issue an apostille. Public records issued by a government office, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are usually apostilled directly and do not need a notarization first.

How remote online notarization fits in

With remote online notarization, the signer meets a commissioned notary over a live audio and video session instead of in person. American Apostille does not notarize documents itself. When a document needs it, we arrange the session with a partner remote online notary and then handle the apostille.

What to confirm before the session

• Whether the state that will issue the apostille accepts a remote online notarization on this type of document.

• Whether the country or agency receiving the document accepts it.

• The ID and identity verification the notary's platform requires from the signer.

Not every state office or foreign recipient accepts remote online notarization, so confirm these points before you sign anything. We can check them for you.

Getting started

Email jared@apostillellc.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1 848 467 7740 with the type of document, the state it comes from, and the country where it will be used. We will tell you whether remote notarization is an option and what happens next.

Last reviewed: September 2026