General Notary Work
General notary work covers everyday documents that need a notary but aren't part of a real-estate closing — affidavits, powers of attorney, business agreements, and personal letters or consent forms. With USA Notary you can notarize almost any of them online in one video session for $25 per document, in all 50 states.
Last updated: August 8, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
What documents count as general notary work?
Pick the category that matches your document. Each guide covers what the notary can and can't do, what you'll need, and how to start.
Affidavits & Sworn Statements
Affidavits are written statements you swear are true, used for court, identity, and financial matters. The notary administers the oath and completes a jurat — but can't draft the statement or tell you what to swear to.
Notarize an affidavit onlinePowers of Attorney
A power of attorney lets someone act for you on financial, medical, or legal matters. Requirements vary by state and POA type — the guide walks through what applies and how to get one notarized online.
Get a power of attorney notarizedBusiness Documents
Contracts, operating agreements, and corporate resolutions often call for a notarized signature. The guide explains which business documents typically need notarization and how to handle remote signers.
Business document notarizationPersonal Letters & Consent Forms
Consent forms, authorization letters, and declarations cover everyday personal situations. The guide covers the common forms people notarize and what to prepare before your session.
Notarize a letter or consent formTraveling with a minor without both parents? Airlines and border officials often ask for a notarized letter of permission — see our guide to child travel consent letters. General notary work is one track within our online notarization services.
Which guide covers your document?
Jump straight to the guide for your document type.
| Affidavits & sworn statements | Oaths, jurats, and written statements sworn true for court, identity, or financial use. |
|---|---|
| Powers of attorney | Authorize someone to act for you on financial, medical, or legal matters. |
| Business documents | Contracts, operating agreements, and corporate resolutions with remote signers. |
| Personal letters & consent forms | Consent forms, authorization letters, and declarations for everyday situations. |
| Child travel consent letters | Notarized permission letters for a minor traveling without both parents. |
Why notarize these documents online instead of in person?
Convenience
No travel required. Complete notarization from your home or office at a time that works for you.
Legal Validity
Every session is handled by a commissioned notary. Under a state's remote online notarization law, a remotely notarized document carries the same legal weight as one notarized in person — see where online notarization is recognized.
Security
Bank-level encryption, identity verification, and complete audit trails protect every transaction.
What does general notary work cost, and how long does it take?
| Cost | $25 per document — includes ID verification, the electronic notarial seal, a tamper-evident certificate, and instant digital delivery |
|---|---|
| Time | Most sessions take 15–30 minutes from start to finish |
| Availability | 24/7, to signers in all 50 states |
| What you need | A valid government-issued photo ID, a device with a camera and microphone, and your document |
| Common documents | Affidavits and sworn statements, powers of attorney, business contracts, consent forms, and declarations |
How does an online general notary session work?
- 1
Upload your document and start a session — no appointment or travel needed.
- 2
Verify your identity with a government-issued ID and knowledge-based questions.
- 3
Meet a commissioned notary over a live, recorded video session and sign electronically.
- 4
The notary applies the electronic seal, and you download the finished document right away.
See the full remote online notarization process, check whether online notarization is legal in your state, or review pricing. Preparing the document is where sessions succeed or fail — the reasons a notary has to decline and the rules for extra signers and witnesses both sit on the services hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for an online notarization?
A valid government-issued photo ID, a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, and the document you need notarized. You upload the document, verify your identity, then meet a commissioned notary over a live video session.
Is general notary work done online legally valid?
Yes. A document notarized by a commissioned remote online notary under that state's law generally carries the same legal weight as a traditional in-person notarization, though the exact rules vary by state. See our guide on where online notarization is legally recognized for the state-by-state picture.
How much does general notary work cost?
General notary work costs $25 per document on USA Notary, with no hidden fees. Identity verification, the electronic notarial seal, a tamper-evident certificate, and instant digital delivery are all included.
How long does an online notarization take?
Most general notary sessions take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish, and the platform is available 24/7.
Which documents count as general notary work?
General notary work is everyday notarization that isn't part of a real-estate closing. It falls into a few categories, each with its own guide: affidavits and sworn statements, powers of attorney, business documents, and personal letters and consent forms (including child travel consent letters). Pick the guide that matches your document to see the specific rules and what to prepare.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades — personally completing more than 10,000 notarizations — and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
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