What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) and How Does It Work?

Remote online notarization — usually shortened to RON — lets you get a document notarized without ever being in the same room as the notary. It's become increasingly common since 2020, but it's still newer and more state-dependent than traditional in-person notarization. Here's how it actually works.

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

RON is a notarization performed entirely online: the signer and the notary connect over live, two-way audio-video, the signer's identity is verified using technology like knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis, and the notary applies an electronic signature and seal to an electronic document — all without either party leaving their home or office.

How RON Works, Step by Step

1. You upload the document you need notarized to a RON platform (often one the notary provides access to)
2. You verify your identity — typically by scanning a photo ID and answering identity-verification questions
3. You join a live video call with a commissioned remote online notary
4. The notary confirms your identity, witnesses you sign (or acknowledge your signature) electronically on the platform
5. The notary applies their electronic notarial seal and signature, and the session is typically recorded and retained per state requirements
6. You receive the completed, notarized electronic document

Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Your State?

RON is legal in most states, but not all, and the specifics — which identity verification methods are approved, how long recordings must be retained, whether out-of-state notaries can be used — vary by state. Because the legal landscape keeps shifting as more states adopt RON legislation, always confirm current rules with your state's Secretary of State (or equivalent) before relying on a remote notarization for something important.

RON vs. Traditional In-Person Notarization

The core notarial act is the same — identity verification, witnessing a signature, applying a seal — the difference is entirely in how it's delivered. RON trades the need to be physically present for reliance on identity-verification technology and a recorded video session, which some institutions (particularly certain lenders, courts, and recording offices) accept without hesitation, and others still don't.

What You'll Need for a RON Appointment

• A device with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection
• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
• The document you need notarized, typically uploaded ahead of time
• In some cases, a smartphone for a secondary identity-verification step

Documents That Typically Can (and Can't) Be Notarized Remotely

Many everyday documents — powers of attorney, affidavits, consent forms, and various business agreements — are commonly handled through RON where it's legally available. Real estate closings and certain court or estate documents are more likely to face restrictions, since some counties, lenders, or courts haven't fully adopted remote notarization for those document types yet. When in doubt, ask the institution requesting the document whether they'll accept a remote notarization before you schedule one.

Is Remote Online Notarization Secure?

RON platforms are generally built around several layers of identity verification, tamper-evident electronic seals, and a recorded video session — often creating a more thorough audit trail than a typical in-person notarization, which usually relies on a signature in a paper journal. That said, security depends on the specific platform and notary following proper procedure, the same as any notarization.

Finding a Notary Who Offers RON

Ready to have a document notarized? Search for a notary near you — many listed notaries offer both in-person and remote options — or, if you're a commissioned notary offering RON, list your services on NotaryOfficial.com.