REAL ID: How NotaryLive Helps You Meet the Deadline—Fast

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The REAL ID Act deadline is May 7, 2025.
• Many states require a notarized birth certificate form for REAL ID.
• NotaryLive provides fast, secure online notarization to help meet the deadline.

On May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID Act will officially go into effect. From that date forward, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a passport, to board domestic flights and access certain federal buildings.

What’s catching many people off guard? You may need an official birth certificate to obtain your REAL ID—and in several states, that request must be notarized.

At NotaryLive, we make that process simple, fast, and fully remote.

Why Birth Certificates Are Key to REAL ID

To get a REAL ID, you’ll need to verify both your identity and U.S. citizenship. Most states require:

• A certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two documents showing your current address

If you don’t already have your birth certificate—or you’re requesting a copy for your child, relative, or yourself—this is where things get time-sensitive.

Many state health departments require a notarized authorization form before releasing a certified copy.

Without that notarized form, your request may be delayed or denied—putting your REAL ID plans on hold.

Where Notarization Is Required

Not every state requires notarization, but many do—especially when the request is made by mail or on behalf of someone else.

For example:

• California requires a notarized sworn statement for certified copies.
• Minnesota requires notarization for mail-in requests.
• Missouri, Tennessee, South Dakota, and New York City all include notarization as part of the process under certain conditions.

Even in states where notarization isn’t mandatory, having your authorization form notarized with proper identification can speed up processing and prevent rejections.

How NotaryLive Works

NotaryLive allows you to notarize documents entirely online, using a secure and legally compliant Remote Online Notarization (RON) process.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload your authorization form.
2. Connect with a live, certified online notary—24/7, no scheduling needed.
3. Complete your notarization in just minutes.
4. Download and submit your notarized form to your state’s vital records office.

No travel. No waiting. No need to find a local notary or adjust your schedule.

Legally Binding, Secure, and Always Compliant

Every notarization on NotaryLive includes:

• Encrypted audio/video session
• Tamper-evident digital seal and signature
• Court-admissible audit trail
• Long-term document storage

NotaryLive is a MISMO® Certified Remote Online Notarization provider, compliant with the ESIGN Act, UETA, and the national RULONA framework.

Our platform is approved for use in all states that authorize RON, ensuring your notarized documents are valid, secure, and legally recognized wherever online notarization is accepted.

Already Using a Birth Certificate Provider?

Even better.

NotaryLive is integrated with many trusted document providers, including State Vital Records (SVR)—an authorized vendor for the State of California.

If you’re requesting a certificate through a platform that requires notarization, chances are NotaryLive is built right into the process. Still need your certified birth certificate copy? Visit State Vital Records to order yours today! 

Don’t Wait Until May 7

As the deadline approaches, demand for certified birth certificates—and notarization services—is expected to spike. Don’t risk last-minute delays.

If you need to request a birth certificate, and your state requires a notarized form, NotaryLive is the fastest and most convenient way to get it done.

Notarize online in minutes. Be REAL ID ready.

Get Started at NotaryLive.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it necessary to be a US citizen to utilize our service? 
  • No. To complete the verification process, you need to either be a US citizen or have a US-based public profile. However, if you do not meet these requirements, you can take advantage of our Personal Verifier option. Learn more here. 
• What are the system requirements for remote online notarization? 
  • To use NotaryLive, all you'll need is a device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer with internet access, a microphone, sound capabilities, and a camera.
• How much does the remote online notarial session cost with NotaryLive? 
  • Sessions start at $25 but are discounted based on your account type and monthly volume. For more pricing information, visit our Pricing Page.

More Blogs

• The Best Way to Access State Vital Records
• Notarization Requirements for Passport Applications
• How Does An Online Notary Confirm My Identity?