How to Notarize Real Estate Documents Remotely in Virginia

What is Remote Real Estate Notarization?

Remote real estate notarization allows property deeds, transfers, and other real estate documents to be notarized online via secure video—legally valid in Virginia and accepted nationwide.

Real estate closings involve tight deadlines, multiple parties across different locations, and high-stakes financial transactions. A single scheduling conflict or missing signature can delay closings and cost thousands of dollars. Remote online notarization eliminates these bottlenecks while maintaining full compliance with Virginia law.

Why Real Estate Professionals Use RON

With online notary services, deeds, mortgages, and closing packages can be notarized without in-person meetings. For title and escrow companies, this reduces delays and provides clients with convenience.

Types of Real Estate Documents

• Deeds: Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds

• Mortgages & Refinances: Purchase mortgages, refinance packages, HELOCs

• Closing Documents: Settlement statements, closing disclosures

• Property Transfers: Transfer on death deeds, life estate deeds

• Affidavits: Affidavit of title, survivorship affidavits

• Releases: Lien releases, satisfaction of mortgage

The Role of Technology

An electronic notary uses secure platforms to confirm identities, witness signatures, and produce digital notarization records. These platforms create audit trails and tamper-evident documents, which are critical for compliance in real estate.

How Remote Real Estate Notarization Works

1. Schedule the Notarization

Contact the notary with transaction details: document type (deed, mortgage, closing package), number of signers, and preferred timeline. Provide signer contact information.

2. Secure Document Upload

Submit the documents securely to the notary's platform. The notary will review for completeness and compliance before the session.

3. Signer Coordination

The notary reaches out to your clients to schedule the session and provide pre-appointment instructions, including platform access and ID requirements.

4. Identity Verification

During the live video session, each signer's identity is verified using multi-factor authentication: knowledge-based questions (KBA) or biometric verification, plus credential analysis of their government-issued ID.

5. Document Review and Signing

The notary guides signers through each document on screen. Signers review and complete electronic signatures while the notary witnesses via live video.

6. Digital Notarization

The notary applies the official notarial certificate and tamper-evident digital seal, ensuring the document meets Virginia recording requirements.

7. Immediate Delivery

Notarized documents are returned to you immediately via secure email—ready for recording at the county office or submission to all parties.

How RON Benefits Your Real Estate Team

For Title Companies:

• Faster closings with same-day turnaround

• Reduced scheduling conflicts

• Lower costs (no travel fees)

• Audit trail for compliance

For Real Estate Agents:

• Keep deals moving forward

• Accommodate out-of-state buyers

• Evening/weekend availability

For Buyers/Sellers:

• Sign from anywhere

• No time off work required

• International signer support

Secure Technology for Real Estate Transactions

• MISMO-compliant platforms

• Multi-factor identity verification

• Tamper-evident digital seals

• Encrypted document storage

• Audio-video recording for audit trail

• Accepted by county recorders nationwide

FAQ

Are remotely notarized deeds accepted by Virginia county recorders?

Yes. Virginia county recorders accept remotely notarized deeds as long as they meet the legal standards for Remote Online Notarization (RON). Each deed must include the proper electronic notarial certificate, digital seal, and tamper-evident audit trail. Virginia law ensures that deeds notarized online have the same legal effect as those notarized in person.

Best practice: Confirm with the specific county's Circuit Court Clerk's office that they accept electronic recordings (eRecordings) for deeds and verify which vendor they use before scheduling your session.

Can multiple signers join the same RON session?

Yes. Multiple signers can join the same online notarization session, even if they're in different locations.

Requirements:

• All signers must be present in the same online session (not separate sessions)

• Each signer completes their own identity verification (ID and KBA or biometrics)

• The notary verifies each signer on camera before proceeding

This ensures the integrity and security of the notarization for all parties.

How long does a typical real estate RON session take?

Most real estate notarization sessions take 15 to 60 minutes, depending on:

• The number of signers and documents

• Whether signers have completed identity verification in advance

• The signer's comfort level with technology

Loan packages and trust documents typically take longer than single deeds due to document volume and required signatures.

What if a signer is located overseas?

Signers outside the U.S. can complete a RON session as long as they have:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or permanent resident card)

• A strong, stable internet connection

• A device with a camera and a microphone

For signers without a U.S. Social Security number or with non-U.S. identification, contact us to discuss specific verification requirements before scheduling.

Do you work with all major title companies?

Yes. MER Notary Services works with all major title and escrow companies across the U.S.

I use MISMO-compliant platforms that meet title company and lender security requirements, ensuring my services are accepted and trusted for real estate closings nationwide.

Can you handle rush closings?

Yes. Rush closings are available when time is critical, subject to schedule availability and document readiness.

Same-day and next-day appointments can often be accommodated. Rush fees apply for requests within 4 hours of the desired session time. Contact me to discuss urgent closing needs.

Book a RON session today and streamline your next real estate transaction with a Virginia online notary you can trust.

Monique Edwards-Robinson

MER Notary Services

notary@mernotary.com

757.737.5363

www.mernotary.com

Disclaimer: MER Notary Services provides notarization only and does not provide legal advice.

Please consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.