Remote Online Notarization (RON): Which States Allow It?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows notaries to perform notarial acts entirely over the internet using a secure audio-video connection. Instead of requiring the signer to be physically present, RON enables the notary to verify identity, witness signatures, and apply their electronic seal through an approved technology platform -- all from separate locations.

RON has grown rapidly since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many states to adopt emergency provisions for remote notarization. Since then, a growing number of states have passed permanent RON legislation. Currently, 51 of 51 states we track allow remote online notarization, and the trend is moving toward broader adoption nationwide.

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

Remote online notarization differs from traditional notarization in several key ways:

RON is commonly used for real estate closings, powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and other transactions where convenience and accessibility are important. It is particularly valuable for signers who are traveling, have mobility limitations, live in rural areas, or are located in a different state from the notary.

RON at a Glance

States That Allow Remote Online Notarization

The following 51 states currently allow notaries to perform remote online notarizations. Click any state name to view the full RON details, additional requirements, and commissioning process.

States That Do NOT Allow Remote Online Notarization

The following 0 states do not currently allow remote online notarization for their commissioned notaries. Some of these states may have pending legislation or emergency provisions that allowed RON temporarily during the pandemic. Click any state to see the latest status.

How to Become a RON-Authorized Notary

If your state allows RON, becoming authorized to perform remote notarizations typically involves additional steps beyond the standard notary commission:

1. Obtain your standard notary commission first. You must be a commissioned notary in your state before you can apply for RON authorization.
2. Complete any RON-specific education. Some states require additional training specific to remote notarization procedures, identity verification, and technology requirements.
3. Register with your state for RON authorization. Most states require a separate RON registration or endorsement on top of your standard commission. This may involve an additional fee and application.
4. Select an approved technology platform. You must use a state-approved RON platform that provides the audio-video connection, identity verification tools, electronic signature capabilities, and session recording. Popular platforms include Notarize, DocVerify, NotaryCam, and Pavaso.
5. Obtain a digital certificate. RON requires a tamper-evident electronic seal applied through a digital certificate. Your technology platform typically provides or guides you through obtaining this.

Common RON Requirements by State

While specific requirements vary, most states that allow RON share these common elements:

• Identity verification: Multi-factor identity proofing, typically including credential analysis (verifying the signer's government-issued ID), knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions based on the signer's personal history, and in some states, biometric analysis.
• Session recording: Full audio-video recording of every RON session. Recordings must be stored securely for a specified retention period (typically 5-10 years).
• Electronic journal: An electronic record of every remote notarial act, including signer identity verification details, document type, and session timestamps.
• Tamper-evident seal: An electronic seal that is cryptographically linked to the document, making any post-signing alterations detectable.
• Approved technology platform: Most states maintain a list of approved RON platforms or require platforms to meet specific technical standards.

The Future of RON

The trajectory of RON adoption is clear: more states are enabling it every year. Several factors are driving this trend:

• Consumer demand: Signers increasingly expect digital options for transactions that previously required in-person visits. The real estate and lending industries have been major drivers of RON adoption.
• Federal legislation efforts: The SECURE Notarization Act, introduced in Congress multiple times, would create a federal framework allowing notaries in any state to perform RON across state lines. While not yet passed, it signals strong legislative interest in nationwide RON standardization.
• Pandemic-era precedent: States that adopted emergency RON provisions during COVID-19 demonstrated that remote notarization can work effectively and securely. Many have since made those provisions permanent.
• Industry investment: Significant venture capital and corporate investment in RON technology platforms has improved the reliability, security, and user experience of remote notarization.

For notaries looking to future-proof their practice, obtaining RON authorization (where available) is a smart move. Remote notarization opens up a nationwide client base and allows you to perform notarial acts without travel, dramatically increasing your efficiency and earning potential.

RON vs. IPEN vs. RIN: Understanding the Differences

Remote online notarization is sometimes confused with two related but distinct concepts:

• IPEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization): The signer is physically present with the notary, but the document is signed electronically rather than with wet ink, and the notary applies an electronic seal. IPEN combines physical presence with electronic documents.
• RIN (Remote Ink-Signed Notarization): The signer and notary are in different locations and communicate via audio-video, but the signer uses a wet ink signature on a paper document (which is then shipped to the notary). RIN was used as a temporary measure during COVID-19 in some states but is generally less common than RON.
• RON (Remote Online Notarization): Both the signing and notarization happen entirely online. The signer and notary communicate via audio-video, the signer applies an electronic signature, and the notary applies a tamper-evident electronic seal. This is the most advanced and increasingly standard form of remote notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a RON notary notarize documents for signers in another state?

In most cases, yes. RON laws generally follow the notary's state of commission, not the signer's location. This means a notary commissioned and RON-authorized in Virginia can typically notarize a document for a signer located in any state, as long as the notary follows Virginia's RON procedures. However, some states have rules about accepting RON-notarized documents from other states, so it is important to verify acceptance with the receiving party.

How much does it cost to set up for RON?

Beyond your standard notary commission costs, RON setup typically involves a technology platform subscription ($15-$40/month), a digital certificate (often included in the platform fee), and any RON-specific registration fees your state charges ($25-$100). Some platforms charge per-session fees instead of or in addition to monthly subscriptions.

Is RON as legally valid as traditional notarization?

Yes, in states that have enacted RON legislation, remote online notarizations carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations. The electronic signatures, seals, and certificates produced through RON are legally equivalent to their ink-and-paper counterparts. Additionally, the audio-video recording and multi-factor identity verification used in RON can actually provide stronger evidence of the notarial act than traditional methods.

What types of documents can be notarized via RON?

Most documents that can be notarized traditionally can also be notarized via RON, including deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and contracts. However, some states exclude certain document types from RON (such as wills or self-proved testamentary instruments). Check your state's specific RON statute for any document type restrictions.

Complete RON Status Table

The table below shows the RON status for every state we track, sorted alphabetically. Click any state name to view the full RON details and notary requirements.

Next Steps

If your state allows RON and you are interested in offering remote notarization services, start by getting your standard notary commission (if you do not already have one), then follow your state's RON registration process. For a complete guide to becoming a notary in any state, see:

• How to Become a Notary in 2026: State-by-State Guide
• How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary? (All 50 States)

Sources

RON status data in this article is sourced from official state statutes, Secretary of State offices, and Governor's offices. Additional context provided by the National Notary Association and industry tracking sources.

• National Notary Association (nationalnotary.org) -- RON state tracker and notary education.
• Notarize (notarize.com) -- RON technology platform and state law tracker.
• American Land Title Association (alta.org) -- RON adoption tracking for real estate industry.
• Individual state commissioning authority websites (cited on each state page).

Data was last verified in February 2026. RON legislation is evolving rapidly. We recommend checking your state's Secretary of State website for the most current RON status and requirements.