Letter of Invitation and Why You Need It Notarized
By Tiffany V.
Published on 07/24/2023
Quick Answer:
A notarized letter of invitation is a formal letter from a U.S. host. It supports a foreign visitor’s U.S. visa application. A notary public verifies the host's identity, which adds significant credibility when consular officers review the application. NotaryLive lets you notarize your letter of invitation online in minutes, from any device.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A notarized letter of invitation confirms the host's identity and adds credibility during a U.S. visa review.
- The U.S. Department of State does not require this letter for a B-2 visitor visa.
- However, consular officers may still find it persuasive supporting evidence. It shows how to notarize the letter online. You do not need an in-person visit.
- NotaryLive lets you notarize a letter of invitation online. It uses U.S.-commissioned notaries.
A letter of invitation is a document a host in the United States writes.
It sponsors a foreign visitor's trip and often supports a U.S. visa application. Notarizing the letter adds a verified signature that many consular officers view as more credible. NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform, lets you notarize this letter online in minutes.
This guide explains who needs a notarized invitation letter, what it should include, and how to notarize it online.
Who Needs a Notarized Letter of Invitation?
Whether your guest needs a notarized invitation letter depends on their home country. It also depends on the embassy handling their visa application.
The U.S. Department of State does not strictly require this letter for a standard B-2 tourist visa.
However, consular officers have broad discretion. If a visitor must show strong ties to their host or explain who pays travel costs, a notarized letter is strong evidence.
What Types of Invitation Letters Need Notarization?
Several invitation letter types benefit from notarization, depending on the purpose of the visit:
| Type | Use Case | Why Notarization Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Family or friends visiting for tourism | Verifies the host-guest relationship |
| Business | Associates attending meetings or conferences | Confirms the event is real |
| Medical | Patient invited for treatment at a U.S. institution | Shows medical necessity |
| Student | Family is invited to graduation or academic events | Confirms student status |
| Event | Attendees at seminars or conferences | Confirms event details |
| Research | Researchers are invited to symposiums or joint work | Documents purpose and duration |
What should a notarized letter of invitation include?
A complete letter should cover these details for both the host and the visitor:
- Full name, date of birth, and address of the visitor
- Full name, address, and immigration status of the host
- Purpose of the visit and planned length of stay
- Where the visitor will stay during the trip
- Financial support the host will provide, if any
Mismatched details, like a wrong date of birth or address, can delay a visa review. Confirm every detail matches the visitor's other application documents before the notarization session.
Why Does a Notary Need to Notarize a Letter of Invitation?
Notarization confirms that a commissioned notary public checked the signer’s identity and witnessed the signature. This gives consular officers a reliable way to trust the letter’s content.
The U.S. Department of State confirms that you do not need an invitation letter for a U.S. visitor visa. It is not a factor in approving or denying a visa. According to the Department's guidance on visa denials, consular officers weigh each applicant's home ties, finances, and travel plans. A notarized letter can still add useful context.
Why Get Your Letter of Invitation Notarized?
While you can write an invitation letter yourself, it's highly recommended to have it notarized. This means a certified Notary Public verifies and certifies the letter's genuineness. An online notary public can make this process easier for you.
Notarization serves several important purposes:
- Confirms the identities of both the inviter and the invitee
- Ensures all information presented is truthful
- Holds both parties accountable to the letter’s promises
- Reduces fraud risk for immigration authorities
- Strengthens the credibility of the letter
- Boosts the application process for a visa
- Minimizes delays for the signer
Visa offices will almost always require people to notarize invitation letters before they consider them valid supporting documents.
How Do You Notarize a Letter of Invitation Online?
Remote online notarization lets you notarize a letter of invitation from home. No in-person appointment is needed. Most sessions take under 15 minutes.
- Write the letter and include the details listed above.
- Gather your valid ID. You need a current government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. driver's license or passport.
- Upload the letter to NotaryLive, but do not sign it until the notary joins the call.
- Verify your identity through a secure, automated check, then connect with a commissioned online notary through video.
- Sign in front of the notary. They add their notarial certificate and seal, then return the completed document.
This helps when you face a consular deadline or manage a visitor's time zone. For related travel documents, see how to notarize documents online if you are abroad.
Ready to notarize your guest's invitation letter?
A notarized letter of invitation gives your guest's U.S. visa application extra credibility, even when it isn't required. Notarize your letter online today with NotaryLive and have it ready before the visa interview.
Notarize Now!
Frequently Asked Questions for Letter of Invitation
What happens if I submit an unnotarized invitation letter?
- Most consular officers still accept a non-notarized letter. It usually provides helpful context, not a required document. A notarized version can carry more weight when a consular officer is weighing ties and financial support.
Can I write the letter of invitation myself, or do I need a lawyer?
- You can write the letter yourself, and you do not need a lawyer. Include every required detail and have a commissioned notary public verify the signer's identity.
Does a notarized letter of invitation expire?
- The notarization itself does not expire, but a letter with outdated travel dates will not help a consular officer. Write a new letter for each visa application or visit.
Does NotaryLive's notarization work for visas outside the United States?
- NotaryLive's notaries are commissioned in U.S. states. Their notarizations have the same legal weight wherever U.S. notarizations are accepted. Confirm with the destination country’s embassy or consulate that they accept U.S. notarization. Do this before you schedule a visa appointment in another country.
About NotaryLive
NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions. They are dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform. This platform prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents easily, anywhere, any time.
This post was written by the NotaryLive editorial team.
**Legal Disclaimer - We are not lawyers or attorneys and do not give any legal advice. Please check with your attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you have any unanswered questions about your documents.
Relevant Blogs:
- What is Online Notarization?
- What are the benefits of notarizing online?
- Can A Notary From A Different State Notarize My Document?
Updated Date: 07/10/2026
