Thanks to mail-away closings, you don’t have to hop on a plane or rearrange your schedule just to sign paperwork if you’re not able to be on location. In this scenario, the closing documents come to you.

What is a Mail-Away Closing?

A mail-away closing is exactly what it sounds like: instead of signing the closing documents in person at the title company or attorney’s office, the documents are shipped to you. You’ll review, sign, and notarize everything on your own, then send it all back. It’s a great option for sellers who’ve moved out of state, or have a tight schedule.

In Florida, mail-away closings are pretty common, especially with how many out-of-state owners sell their homes here every year. As long as you follow a few simple steps it’s a fairly straightforward process.

Legal Requirements in Florida

Florida does have a few rules to keep in mind when it comes to mail-away closings. Some documents, like the deed that transfers ownership of your home, must be signed in front of a notary and two witnesses. That’s important because depending on where you’re located, you might need to plan ahead to make sure you have the right people available.

For example, if you’re at a UPS Store that offers notary services, you’ll usually need to bring your own witnesses because the notary might not provide them. It’s a simple detail, but missing it could delay your sale.

In short:

  • Any document that gets recorded (like the deed) needs a notary and two witnesses.
  • Other documents (like a seller’s affidavit) usually just need to be notarized.
  • Always double-check the signing instructions from your title company or attorney before you schedule anything.

Step-by-Step Process

Let’s break down how a mail-away closing actually works, start to finish:

  1. Documents Get Prepped
    Once your buyer is ready to close, the title company or attorney gathers all the paperwork (think: the deed, settlement statement, affidavits, and anything else required). They’ll confirm your mailing address and preferred notary setup.
  2. Documents Are Shipped to You
    You’ll get a package (usually via FedEx or UPS) with clear instructions on what to sign, where to sign, and what needs to be notarized or witnessed. Some companies include little sticky notes to guide you.
  3. You Sign and Notarize
    Set up an appointment with a local notary. Depending on the paperwork, you might need two witnesses in addition to the notary. Don’t just sign everything right away, follow the instructions to the letter.
  4. Send Everything Back
    Once signed, you’ll overnight the package back using the prepaid label. The title company checks it, and once all parties are squared away, the deal closes.

Timeline and Logistics

One thing sellers often underestimate is how long the shipping process can take, especially if you’re out of state or overseas. Here’s a rough idea of how it breaks down:

  • Document prep: 1-2 business days
  • Shipping to you: 1-3 business days
  • Your signing/notary appointment: 1 day
  • Shipping back: 1-3 business days
  • Final review and closing: same or next day after documents are received

So while the actual signing might take just 15 minutes, the entire mail-away process usually adds 3 to 7 days to the closing timeline. Build in that buffer and don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re dealing with a hard closing date.

Costs Involved

For the most part a mail-away closing doesn’t cost much more, but there are a few small fees to expect:

  • Mobile notary: $50-$150 depending on location
  • Witnesses (if you have to hire them): $25-$75
  • Overnight shipping: often covered by the title company, but not always
  • Printing fees (if you print yourself): minimal, but worth noting

Mail-Away vs. Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Mail-away closings and remote online notarization (RON) both let you avoid the in-person closing table, but they work very differently. In a traditional mail-away closing, you’re handling actual paper documents. They’re shipped to you, you sign them with a notary in person, and then you ship them back. It’s old school, but very reliable, especially when wet signatures are needed for recording.

Remote online notarization, on the other hand, lets you sign everything digitally through a secure video call with an online notary. As of January 1, 2020, Florida law allows RON for real estate closings, but it’s not available for every situation. Some lenders or title companies still prefer (or require) physical signatures. If you qualify for RON, it can save you a lot of time and make things even easier, but you’ll want to double-check upfront whether it’s an option for your sale.

Special Considerations for International Sellers

If you’re selling your Florida property from outside the United States, a mail-away closing is still possible, it’s just a little trickier. The biggest hurdle is notarization. U.S. notaries aren’t typically available overseas, so you’ll likely need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to get documents notarized. Some countries also recognize notarizations through something called an apostille, which certifies the authenticity of documents between countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Because shipping internationally can take longer, it’s smart to start the process earlier than you would inside the U.S. Expect the full closing timeline to stretch out by a couple of extra weeks, especially if you’re coordinating embassy appointments and document returns.

Conclusion

Mail-away closings have made selling a home in Florida a lot easier, as long as you understand the steps and plan accordingly. Working with an experienced title company or real estate attorney will make all the difference in making sure everything goes off without a hitch.