Remote Online Notary vs Wet Signature — What You Should Confirm Before Requesting an Apostille or Embassy Legalization in 2025
Remote Online Notarization (RON) has made notarizing documents more convenient than ever — especially for U.S. clients who need fast service without leaving home.
But here’s the truth most people don’t know:
*Just because your state accepts RON does not mean the receiving country or agency will.
In fact — many foreign governments, embassies, and even some U.S. state-level apostille offices STILL require a traditional wet ink notarization before they will accept your document.
Apostille Eligibility Depends on Where It’s Going — Not Just Where It Was Notarized
For example:
✅ Texas allows RON and will issue an apostille for a properly notarized remote document
❌ But if the receiving country does not accept RON, your document can still be rejected even after getting an apostille
This is extremely common with:
Immigration & visa documents
Foreign marriage or adoption paperwork
Government licensing or court submissions
High-security countries (UAE, Qatar, China pre-2023, etc.)
Wet Signature (Traditional Notarization) — Still the Safest Default for International Use
Even though Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legally valid in many U.S. states — and those states will often issue an apostille for it — many embassies, foreign governments, and even certain universities or court systems may still reject RON documents. In contrast, a wet ink (in-person) notarization is universally accepted for both apostilles and embassy legalization and remains the safest option when dealing with international approvals. If there is any uncertainty at all, wet signature notarization is the most reliable path.
So What Should You Do?
Before getting anything notarized online or in person, ask the receiving authority this exact question:
“Do you accept documents that were notarized remotely (RON), or do you require a wet ink notarization?”
That one sentence can save weeks of delays, rejected applications, and unnecessary re-notarizations.
Need Help Determining Which One Your Situation Requires?
Clark Apostille Services will confirm the exact notarization + authentication requirement based on your destination country, agency, or legal purpose — before you do anything.
No guesswork. No wasted time. No rejected applications.
📩 info@clarkapostilleservices.com
🌐 www.clarkapostilleservices.com
📍 Serving individuals, businesses, law firms & global professionals nationwide
