Online vs In-Person Notarization: How to Choose

Notarization used to mean one thing: find a notary, travel to them, sign in front of them, done. Today, there are two legitimate paths—traditional in-person notarization and online (also called remote or virtual) notarization. Both are legal, both are secure, and both serve different needs. The right choice depends less on “which is better” and more on who you are, what you’re signing, and what barriers you’re working around.

Let’s break it down.

In-Person Notarization: The Familiar Standard

In-person notarization is exactly what most people picture. You and the notary are in the same physical space. You present your ID, sign the document, and the notary completes the certificate.

Pros

• The biggest advantage is familiarity. Many people—especially seniors—feel more comfortable with a face-to-face interaction. There’s no camera, no login, no worry about whether the microphone is working. If you’re signing something emotionally heavy or legally complex, having a calm human presence in the room can be grounding.

• In-person notarization is also more forgiving when it comes to technology. If someone has limited internet access, no computer, or a disability that makes screen use difficult, in-person service may be the least stressful option.

• For disabled individuals, in-person notarization can work very well if the service is mobile. A notary who travels to homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, or care centers can remove the transportation barrier entirely.

• It’s also necessary when an institution explicitly requires an in-person or wet ink notarization.

Cons

• The downside is logistics. Travel takes time, coordination, and often money. If mobility is limited, transportation is unreliable, or energy levels fluctuate due to illness or disability, even a short appointment can become a major undertaking.

• Scheduling can also be slower. You’re working around physical availability, traffic, weather, and location. For people with tight timelines, this can be a real constraint.

Online Notarization: Fast, Flexible, and Location-Free

Online notarization allows you to meet with a notary over a secure video platform. Identity is verified digitally, the signing happens electronically, and the completed document is delivered almost immediately.

Pros

• Accessibility is where online notarization really shines. There’s no travel. You can sign from your kitchen table, hospital bed, or office desk. For people with mobility impairments, chronic pain, fatigue, or transportation barriers, this can be transformative.

• For tech-savvy users, online notarization is often very fast. If you’re comfortable using email, clicking links, and turning on a camera, an appointment can be completed in minutes.

• There’s no commute, no waiting room, and no rescheduling due to weather or traffic.

• Online notarization can also be easier for people who live far from services, care for others at home, or need flexible appointment times.

• Evening and weekend availability is often broader online.

Cons

• Technology is both the strength and the weakness. Online notarization requires a compatible device, a stable internet connection, and the ability to follow on-screen instructions. For some seniors and disabled individuals—especially those with visual impairments, cognitive challenges, or limited tech experience—this can feel overwhelming.

• There’s also a learning curve. Even people who use smartphones daily may feel anxious about identity verification steps or camera positioning. While a good notary will guide you through the process patiently, it’s still a different experience than paper and pen.

• Finally, not all documents are eligible for online notarization, and not all receiving institutions accept it yet. It’s always important to confirm requirements before choosing this route.

Accessibility Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

It’s tempting to label one option as “more accessible,” but accessibility is personal. For one senior, accessibility means avoiding stairs, parking lots, and long waits by someone coming to their living room. For another, it means avoiding germ exposure by signing online. The same is true for disabled folks of any age—needs vary widely, and choice matters.

The best notaries recognize this. They don’t push one method as superior. They help clients choose the option that reduces friction, stress, and risk for them.

How to Decide

Choose in-person mobile notarization if you prefer hands-on support, have limited comfort with technology, or need physical documents signed. Choose online notarization if speed, convenience, and flexibility matter most—and if you’re comfortable navigating a digital process or have someone who can help navigate the tech aspects.

Both paths exist for a reason. The goal isn’t to modernize for the sake of it or cling to tradition out of habit. The goal is simple: get your documents notarized accurately, securely, and with as little burden as possible.

Notarization should be a tool that supports your life—not another obstacle in it.