What Is a Mail-Away Closing? How to Close on Florida Property From Out of State
Roger Verghese
CEO & Founder, Warehouse Company Holdings
Roger is CEO, Founder & Licensed Title Agent of Title Warehouses of America Inc (est. 2006). With 50+ years of combined experience in Title Services, Real Estate, Lending, and Insurance, he understands every aspect of the home closing process from contract to keys. A 30+ year Central Florida resident, Roger helps Orlando families navigate title insurance and closing services with expertise and transparency.
Not everyone can be in Florida on closing day. Snowbirds, out-of-state investors, military families and sellers who have already moved often close by mail-away closing, signing their documents with a notary wherever they are.
How a Mail-Away Closing Works
- The title company prepares your documents and marks every signature, initial and witness line.
- Documents ship to you by overnight courier, with instructions and a prepaid return envelope.
- You sign in front of a notary near you, plus two witnesses for any deed.
- You ship the originals back the same day if possible.
- The title company reviews everything, then funds, disburses and records once all parties have signed.
Florida's Signing Rules
- Two witnesses for a deed. Florida law requires a deed to be signed in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, in addition to the notary. Each witness signs and prints their name.
- A notary where you sign. The notary must be commissioned in the state where you are signing.
- Matching names and ID. Sign exactly as your name is printed, and bring a current government-issued photo ID that matches.
- Original ink signatures. Sign the originals the title company sends you. Copies and scans are not enough.
Timeline
A mail-away closing adds shipping time in both directions and a review step before funding. Talk to your title company early so documents arrive with enough time to sign and return them before the closing date in your contract.
Mistakes That Delay Closings
- Missing witness signatures or printed witness names on the deed
- A notary block without a seal or commission expiration date
- Signing on the wrong line or skipping initials
- Crossing out errors or using correction fluid
- Returning documents late
If you make a mistake, stop and call the title company. They can tell you how to fix it or send a replacement page.
Signing From Outside the United States
You can close from abroad, but it takes more planning. Signing overseas usually means using a U.S. embassy or consulate notary and allowing extra time for international shipping. Tell your title company as soon as you know you will be abroad.
Mail-Away or Remote Online Closing?
| Mail-away closing | Remote online closing | |
|---|---|---|
| How you sign | Paper, in front of a local notary | Electronically, by video with an online notary |
| Shipping | Overnight both ways | None |
| Speed | Adds a few business days | Usually faster |
| Lender acceptance | Widely accepted | Depends on the lender and loan type |
| Witnesses for a deed | In person with you | Can attend by video |
Closing by Mail With Title Warehouses of America
We handle mail-away closings across Florida from our Orlando office, with marked documents, clear instructions and a prepaid return envelope. Learn more on our mail-away closing services page or call (888) 354-8005.