How to Notarize Documents for International Signers on BlueNotary

If you have a session scheduled with a signer located outside the United States, there are a few key steps to follow to make sure identity verification goes smoothly and the session proceeds without issues.

The Main Step: Select Biometrics as the Verification Type

When setting up the session, make sure to select Biometrics as the verification type instead of Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA). KBA relies on US credit history and personal records, so it won't work for international signers. If Biometrics isn't selected, your signer most likely won't be able to complete verification.

Biometric verification consists of two parts:

1. Upload of a government-issued ID from the signer's country of residence
2. Biometric capture — a selfie / liveness check that confirms the ID belongs to the signer

Both parts must pass before the signer can proceed with the session.

Check Which ID Documents Are Accepted

Accepted ID types vary by the signer's country of origin — some countries only accept a passport, while others also accept a national ID or driver's license. Before inviting your signer, check the full list of accepted documents for their country:
👉 Accepted ID Documents by Country
It's a good idea to share this with your signer ahead of time so they have the correct document ready before the session — this avoids delays or the need to reschedule.

Understand How the Process Works from the Signer's Side

It helps to know what your signer will see on screen, so you can guide them if they have questions during the session:

• They'll receive an email invitation with instructions and a Get Started button.
• Before joining, they'll be able to test their camera, microphone, and speakers.
• They'll go through identity verification, which in their case will be biometric instead of KBA.
• They'll be asked to upload or photograph their ID (front and back, when applicable).
• Once their identity is verified, they'll join the live video session with you, where you'll confirm their identity, review the document together, and guide them through signing.
• They'll complete the required fields — they can draw, type, upload, or use a saved signature.
• Once finished, the notarized document will be available for download.

For the full walkthrough as the signer experiences it, see:
👉 How Biometric Authentication Works

You can also check out this video on our YouTube channel about biometric verification:

Updated on: 22/09/2026