Online Notary vs FedEx Notary Services: Which Option Is Right for You? 

Quick Answer: Online notary services are often the easier option if speed, flexibility, and convenience matter most because you can complete notarization remotely without leaving home. But if you prefer an in-person experience and want help during standard business hours, FedEx notary services may be a good fit. The right choice depends on your document type, urgency, location, and schedule. 

You got the document ready. You know you need to have it notarized, and now comes the important question: “Should you use an online notary or go to FedEx for notary services?” Both options address the same problem and will get your document notarized, but once you look closer, the experience can feel completely different. 

One option may involve travel, appointments, and limited availability. The other may let you finish the entire process from your couch in under an hour. So which option actually makes more sense? Let’s compare Online Notary vs. FedEx Notary Services, including cost considerations, convenience, document types, speed, limitations, and which option best suits your situation.  

What is an Online Notary?

An online notary allows you to complete notarization remotely using secure identity verification and live video technology. Instead of meeting in person, the process usually works like this –  

• Upload your document  

• Verify identity  

• Meet with a commissioned notary online  

• Sign electronically  

• Receive the notarized document  

Services like eNotary On Call make this process accessible without requiring travel or physical appointments. 

Key Insight: Online Notarization follows formal identity verification and legal notarization procedures; it is not just simply a scanned signature.  

What Are FedEx Notary Services? 

FedEx locations may offer notary services depending on availability and participating locations. Typically, the process involves 

• Visiting a physical location  

• Bringing identification  

• Meeting with an available notary  

• Signing documents in person  

Availability may vary by location, staffing, and hours. 

Why It Matters: Confirming ahead of time can save time, because many people assume every FedEx location automatically provides notary services, but availability may differ.  

Online Notary vs FedEx Notary Services: Side-by-Side Comparison 

1. Travel Required – No travel needed for online notary, but for FedEx services, you may need to travel to their office. 
2. Appointment Flexibility – Online notaries provide appointment flexibility to be flexible, whereas it varies with FedEx services because of office timings.  
3. Remote Access – FedEx services do not provide remote access to customers, but online notaries do. 
4. Business Hours Dependency – It is quite lower for online notaries as compared to FedEx services. 
5. Waiting Time – It is much shorter for online notary services compared to FedEx notary services, which may take days.  
6. Device Needed– You will need a phone or computer to execute online notary services, which is not required for FedEx services. 
7. Document Delivery – This is a digital feature for online notary services, whereas you will get a physical document in FedEx offices.  
8. Convenience – Online notary services are very convenient as you complete them from your home or office, while FedEx notary services provide moderate convenience comparatively.  

Key Insight: Both options provide notarization, but the experience and convenience can vary widely depending on your circumstances. 

When Online Notary Makes More Sense 

Online notarization is often a strong option when –  

• You need a faster turnaround  

• You’re travelling  

• You have mobility limitations  

• Your schedule is unpredictable  

• You need evening or weekend access 

Examples include Power of Attorneys, affidavits, consent forms, real estate paperwork, and estate planning documents.  

Why It Matters: Many people postpone notarization because fitting office visits into busy schedules becomes difficult. 

When FedEx Notary Services May Be a Better Fit 

In-person notarization may still make sense when: 

• You prefer face-to-face interaction  

• You need assistance reviewing physical paperwork  

• Electronic signing feels uncomfortable  

• Your organization specifically requests physical execution 

Pro Tip: Verify availability before visiting if you are choosing FedEx. Notary schedules can differ from general store hours. 

Speed Comparison: Which Is Faster? 

Speed often depends on preparation. The typical process of an online notary includes uploading documents, verifying identity, connecting with a notary, and completing the signing.  

And the typical FedEx process includes travelling to the location, waiting for availability, completing an identity review, and signing the documents. Additional travel time may affect total completion time. 

Convenience Comparison 

Convenience is where many people notice the biggest difference. For online notary services, you can often complete notarization from home, work, while travelling, or without transportation.  

Advantages for FedEx may include physical document handling, immediate in-person support, and a familiar retail environment.  

Why It Matters: Convenience becomes especially important for elderly individuals, caregivers, parents, and professionals with limited time. 

What Documents Can Typically Be Notarized?

Common examples include –  

• Power of Attorney  

• Affidavits  

• Travel consent forms  

• Real estate documents  

• Healthcare directives  

• Financial authorizations 

Key Insight: Document acceptance depends on applicable laws and institutional requirements, not simply where the notarization occurs. 

Can You Use Online Notarization for Time-Sensitive Documents? 

Yes, in many situations. Online notarization is commonly used for –  

• Last-minute legal documents  

• Urgent travel paperwork  

• Estate planning updates  

• Financial authorizations 

Pro Tip: Prepare identification and documents before starting if the deadline matters.  

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Notary Option 

1. Assuming All Locations Offer Notary Services – Availability varies by state.
2. Waiting Until the Last Minute – Urgency reduces flexibility
3. Signing Before the Appointment – Many notarizations require witnessing
4. Not Checking Document Requirements – Some documents may require witnesses in addition to notarization.

Why More People Are Choosing eNotary On Call 

Online notarization continues to grow because people increasingly value flexibility. With eNotary On Call, users can typically 

• Upload documents remotely  

• Verify identity securely  

• Connect with commissioned notaries  

• Complete notarization without travel 

Key Insight: Reducing travel and scheduling becomes the biggest advantage for many people, not the notarization itself.  

How to Decide Which Option Is Right for You 

Choose an online notary if –  

• Convenience matters most  

• You want remote access  

• You need scheduling flexibility  

• Travel is inconvenient 

Choose FedEx notary services if –  

• You prefer in-person interaction  

• Your document process is already physical  

• You want face-to-face assistance 

Why It Matters: The best option depends on your timeline, comfort level, and document requirements.  

Final Thoughts

 

Neither option is universally better when comparing Online Notary vs FedEx Notary Services. The right choice depends on your schedule, document type, comfort level, and urgency.  

An in-person option may feel familiar if you prefer traditional face-to-face interaction. Online notarization can dramatically simplify the process if convenience, flexibility, and remote access matter more. Many people complete notarization without appointments, unnecessary travel, or waiting with eNotary on Call, making one of the most frustrating parts of document preparation surprisingly easy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is online notarization legally valid?

In many situations, yes. Online notarization follows identity verification and formal procedures designed to create legally recognized notarized documents. Acceptance can depend on jurisdiction and document type, so it’s always smart to confirm requirements beforehand.

2. Are FedEx notary services available at every location?

Not necessarily. Availability can vary based on staffing, scheduling, and participating locations. It’s a good idea to confirm availability before making a trip. Many people assume notary service automatically exists wherever shipping services are available, which may not always be true.

3. Is online notarization faster than visiting a FedEx location?

It depends on your preparation and availability. Online notarization may reduce travel and scheduling delays, especially when documents are ready in advance. For many users, eliminating transportation and waiting becomes the biggest time savings.

4. Can I notarize Power of Attorney documents online?

In many cases, yes. Power of Attorney documents are commonly notarized and may be completed remotely depending on applicable requirements. Always confirm whether witnesses or additional execution standards apply before beginning. 

5. Which option is better for elderly individuals? 

Online notarization is often attractive for elderly individuals because it reduces travel and can be completed from home. This may be especially helpful for those with mobility limitations or caregiver coordination. However, some individuals may still prefer the familiarity of an in-person experience.