Notarizing U.S. Documents Abroad: Consulate vs. Remote Online Notary

If you’re living overseas or traveling abroad and need a U.S. document notarized, you might assume your only option is to head to the nearest U.S. consulate. While that does work, it can be time-consuming and inconvenient — which is why more people are turning to Remote Online Notarization (RON) as a faster alternative.

Here’s a simple breakdown of both options so you can choose the best route for your situation.

Option 1: Notarizing at the U.S. Consulate

The traditional approach is to book an appointment at your nearest consulate or embassy. Here’s what that process typically looks like:

1. Schedule online — but availability can take weeks.

2. Bring your documents and valid ID (like your passport).

3. Pay the fee — usually around $50 per seal.

4. Appear in person before a consular officer, who witnesses your signature.

5. Leave with your notarized document the same day.

This process works and is widely accepted. The downside, however, is the wait time and the hassle of traveling to the consulate.

Option 2: Remote Online Notarization with Notary SWFL

Thanks to Florida’s RON laws, you don’t need to go in person at all. Instead, you can notarize your U.S. documents completely online with Notary SWFL — no matter where in the world you are.

Here’s how it works:

• Meet online instead of in person — all you need is your ID, a stable internet connection, and your document.

• Go through secure identity verification using biometrics and bank-level checks.

• Sign in minutes — your notarized document is returned to you quickly, without weeks of waiting.

The result: a faster, stress-free way to get your U.S. documents notarized abroad.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Both the consulate and RON are valid. The difference comes down to time and convenience. If you don’t want to wait weeks for an appointment or travel long distances, RON through Notary SWFL is the smarter option.

Ready to Get Started?

At Notary SWFL, we make notarizing U.S. documents abroad simple and secure. Whether you’re a foreign national, a U.S. citizen traveling overseas, or a business professional handling international paperwork — we can help.

Reach out today to schedule your remote online notarization and save yourself the consulate trip.