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Remote notarization vs. traditional notarization

Updated 10-04-23. The use of new technology tools for notarizations has caused confusion for many people, including Notaries. There is remote online notarization (RON), which is different from in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) or remote ink-signed notarizations (RIN). And all 3 are different from traditional, pen-and-paper notarizations.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the differences between these notarization methods. Please note that this is a general description, and specific requirements in some states may vary.

What does each type of notarization entail?

A traditional notarization is the one most Notaries are familiar with. The signer and Notary meet physically face-to-face for the Notary to notarize a handwritten signature on a paper document.

For in-person electronic notarization (IPEN), the Notary and signer still physically meet face-to-face. Instead of pen-and-paper signatures and documents, the Notary and signer use electronic signatures to sign and notarize an electronic document (often called an “electronic record” in state laws).

For a remote online notarization (RON), the Notary and signer meet remotely from different locations using audio-visual communication technology, and the notarization is typically performed remotely using electronic signatures and records. 

During the COVID-19 emergency, some states authorized an alternative notarization process called Remote Ink-Signed Notarization (RIN) as an alternative to notarizing paper documents in person. Today, 7 states have permanent laws authorizing RIN notarizations. During a RIN, the signer signs a paper document while communicating live with the Notary online. The signer may be required to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that the document they signed and send to the Notary is the same document and attach it to the document. The document is then sent to the Notary for notarization.

Document formatting requirements for each type of notarization

Each type of notarization (Traditional, IPEN, RON and RIN) has different document format requirements:

Traditional notarization requires a physical paper document with an original written signature in ink.

In-person electronic notarization requires an electronic record such as a PDF or Word file. The document is presented on a computer, laptop or mobile device.

Remote online notarization typically requires an electronic record as with IPEN, although some states allow paper documents to be signed and notarized using RON.

RIN requires a physical paper document with an original written signature but may also require an additional electronic copy of the document to be sent to the Notary.

Identification of the signer

Both traditional and in-person electronic notarization use the same methods for identifying signers. The signer must personally know or present satisfactory proof of identity to the Notary, typically an identification document such as a driver’s license or one or more credible witnesses who know the signer personally and can vouch for the signer’s identity, following the requirements of state Notary laws.

Remote online notarization requires signers to be identified through a combination of at least 2 identity verification methods that are tailored for the remote environment.  Examples include knowledge-based authentication (KBA) where the signer must answer questions correctly about their credit history and background; credential analysis, where the signer’s ID is checked using an automated process to confirm the ID is genuine; remote presentation, where the signer presents ID to the Notary on camera so the Notary can read the information, biometrics, or a public key certificate.

For a RIN, the signer must be identified through a process approved by the state. Examples may include the Notary’s personal knowledge of the signer, remote presentation of an ID document to the Notary or the oath/affirmation of a credible witness participating in the RIN. 

Notary signatures and seal

Most Notaries are familiar with the traditional notarization process in which the customer signs the paper document in pen and ink. The Notary then completes the certificate wording, signs the certificate with pen and ink and affixes their physical Notary seal.

For an IPEN, the customer signs the electronic document with an electronic signature — by clicking a mouse or writing the signature on a signature pad. The Notary then signs the notarial certificate with an electronic signature and affixes an electronic seal.

For remote notarizations on electronic documents, the customer signs the electronic document with an electronic signature. The Notary then signs the notarial certificate with an electronic signature and affixes their electronic seal.

For RIN, after communicating with the Notary online, the signer then mails, or if allowed by state law, faxes or electronically transmits the paper document to the Notary. After the Notary receives the document, the Notary prints out and performs the notarial act on the paper document, and mails (or faxes or electronically transmits, if applicable) it back to the signer.

Recording the journal entry

Depending on state laws, for traditional and IPEN notarizations the Notary completes a record of the notarization in a bound, paper journal or in some states, an electronic journal.

For remote notarizations, usually an electronic journal entry is required, and the notarization must be recorded using audiovisual technology. The Notary must securely store the recording, along with any other journal information required by state law.

For a remote ink-signed notarization, the Notary should record a journal entry for the RIN, even if not required by law. The Notary should also make a recording of the entire RIN audiovisual conference, ​even if not required by law, create a backup of the recording, and securely store both. Some states may have additional recordkeeping requirements.

Electronic closing terms in the mortgage industry

There are certain types of electronic processes for signatures and notarization during closings used specifically by the mortgage industry:

eClosing: An eClosing or electronic closing is a mortgage closing in which all the documents remain in digital form. They are signed, notarized and returned to the title company or lender in digital form, and nothing is printed out. An eClosing can be conducted with the borrowers and Notary in each other’s physical presence or online using audiovisual technology.

Online Closing: An online closing is an electronic closing that is conducted online without the borrower and Notary being in each other’s physical presence. The personal appearance requirement for the notarization is satisfied via the internet using audiovisual technology.

iClose: iClose is a web-based closing system offered by one settlement services provider. With this system, the borrower physically appears before a Notary to sign a limited power of attorney (LPOA) in paper form. The LPOA allows a representative of the title company or lender to sign the borrower’s mortgage documents. Typically, the borrower will then log onto the iClose system to review and approve the loan documents using an electronic signature. The title company or lender representative signs all paper documents in the closing package, including the Mortgage or Deed of Trust, and a title company or lender Notary notarizes the representative’s signature.

Need more information about remote notarizations?

The NNA’s online Knowledge Center has additional information and resources about state remote notarization requirements.

David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.


Related Articles:

Remote Notarization: What you need to know


Additional Resources:

NNA Knowledge Center: Remote Online Notary Resources

68 Comments

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Catherine Montegna

16 Dec 2019

If a notary is only able to notarize in the state in which they are commissioned, can remote online notarization be used if the signer is in another state?

National Notary Association

17 Dec 2019

Hello. Yes, but the Notary must be within the borders of the commissioning state when the remote notarization takes place.

notary@avenotary.com

18 Jan 2020

What states permit RON?

National Notary Association

22 Jan 2020

Hello. Please see here for a current list: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2018/06/remote-notarization-what-you-need-to-know

Ileana

05 May 2020

Can you request an apostille from the State for a document signed via electronic notary?

National Notary Association

05 May 2020

Hello. You would need to contact the state agency that issues apostilles to ask if they can provide an apostille for an electronically notarized document.

JUDY

06 May 2020

In CA a jurat is often required as well. Will the Notary have this as well?

National Notary Association

07 May 2020

Hello. California has not authorized RON at this time.

Takako Jackson-price

05 Jul 2020

How do I find a notary who does remote? is there a website that gives names?

National Notary Association

06 Jul 2020

Hello. Some places you can look are 1) Notaries directories-check for any Notaries listing RON services among the services they offer or 2) Contacting RON technology platforms directly to ask if they have RON Notaries on call who can assist you with your request.

Jerri

22 Jul 2020

Does the digital certificate have to be as long as the notary is commissioned for? For instance if a notary is commissioned until 2024 should the digital certificate be purchased for the most, 3 years?

National Notary Association

24 Jul 2020

Hello.There aren't specific requirements to align your Notary commission and digital certificate expiration dates. However, the industry standard for issuing a digital certificate is 3 years, because it is felt that the digital certificate becomes vulnerable by that point and, therefore, a new one should be issued.

Kristen

29 Aug 2020

How exactly do you become a remote notary?

National Notary Association

31 Aug 2020

Hello. You can find more information here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary

kimberly_vance@aol.com

21 Sep 2020

How do remote notaries get paid?

National Notary Association

22 Sep 2020

Hello. That depends on a wide variety of factors. Some Notaries work independently performing RONs and collect fees from customers in the same way as a traditional pen-and-paper Notary. Others prefer to sign up and accept RON assignments through a RON vendor-in these cases, the Notary may be paid a fee that is split between the Notary and the RON vendor.

crystal@bayareaelectricfl.com

10 Nov 2020

I received a notarized document and they marked it for online notarization. The notary seal is so small that I can't read the commission number after printing the document. It appears to me that they scanned an image of their physical notary stamp and physical signature, then copy & pasted them onto the PDF document. Does this meet the RON requirements? I feel as though it should have an actual eNotary seal, is that correct. I don't doubt that this person is a notary, I am just not sure if proper protocol was followed.

National Notary Association

10 Nov 2020

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state the Notary was commissioned in?

Latonya Walters

18 Jan 2021

Where do I get my digital certificate?

National Notary Association

21 Jan 2021

Hello. Some remote online notarization technology vendors provide digital certificates to Notaries who use their RON platform. Digital certificates are also available for purchase from the NNA here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/digital-certificate-voucher. Please note that the NNA's certificate is not compatible with all RON platforms.

Patricia Busch

17 Feb 2021

Thanks 👍, lots of good information, I'm.about to take my first step.into this flied,, Toledo Ohio

lpedersen@seakeeper.com

19 Feb 2021

I use my notary for work. I work with a company called Seakeeper in California, Maryland. Due to COVID we are all teleworking. We use DocUsign to get important forms to be signed. In the state of Maryland can I notarize forms with electronic signatures?

National Notary Association

24 Feb 2021

Hello. If you hold a Notary commission in Maryland, then you may apply to perform remote online notarizations there. Please see here for details on qualifications and how to apply: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/maryland

Gerard Joseph

18 Mar 2021

I want to be in Publix Notary.

National Notary Association

23 Mar 2021

Hello. You can find out more about becoming a Notary here: www.NationalNotary.org/become-a-notary.

Phil Gallegos

21 Apr 2021

Thanks

Robert Block

30 Jun 2021

I am overseas - just completed a new will with a US attorney. I have it in word format. Can I get it notarized using RON? I am from Colorado so it has been completed with all needed CO data. Once done - Am I able to print hard copies to give to beneficiaries and are those valid if and when needed? Thanks

National Notary Association

01 Jul 2021

Hello. You should consult with your attorney to ask if there are any special instructions for your will regarding remote notarization.

Kelly Paulina

19 Jul 2021

Can we physically notarize an electronic signature done via Docusign if the signee is personally known to us?

National Notary Association

19 Jul 2021

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

dianne.shehadeh@gmail.com

19 Jan 2022

where do you get electronic Jurat & Acknowledgment to upload for platforms?

National Notary Association

20 Jan 2022

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are located in?

gjt457@gmail.com

12 Feb 2022

I'm currently a Ohio state notary. How do I get the study guide for Remote notary online? Can I do Signing Agent and Remote Notary?

National Notary Association

18 Feb 2022

Hello. Currently, there are no statutes, regulations or rules expressly governing, prohibiting or restricting the operation of Notary Signing Agents within the state of Ohio. For information on becoming a remote Notary in Ohio, pleas see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/ohio

Marcia franklin

16 May 2022

When will laws be updated to meet 2022 life styles And notaries aren’t bound to just one state. For Ron’s.

Camille Hernandez

16 May 2022

What is the process to become a remote notary?

National Notary Association

17 May 2022

Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary

Raphael Munoz

16 May 2022

In New York State it begins on January 1, 2023. No exam no fee

Gabriel Naranjo

30 May 2022

Does the NNA offer IPEN courses for California's notary? and if they don't, who do you recommend?

National Notary Association

02 Jun 2022

Thank you for reaching out, Gabriel. The NNA currently does not offer an IPEN course, and we’re not aware of any organization that has one. When searching for information online, keep in mind that IPEN is a broad industry term that might not be in the state statutes. In California, for example, the regulation is under “Electronic Notarial Acts.” You may find that section of the California chapter of the U.S. Notary Reference informational (https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/news/us-notary-reference).

glavonne@icloud.com

10 Jun 2022

What are the legal, acceptable ways for me to collect payment for RON work? PayPal, Zelle, Apple Pay?

National Notary Association

22 Jun 2022

Hello. To date, state laws haven’t specifically addressed ways you may collect fees. When you talk to your signers about what you’ll charge for your services, it’s a good idea to bring up the method of payment, too.

rmitchellwilliams@gmail.com

28 Jun 2022

Hello. I'm in California and I just read that IPEN is accepted in California. How do I go about becoming certified and how do I get an electronic seal?

National Notary Association

22 Jul 2022

There is no certification process to be an e-Notary in California. The process to Notarize a document electronically is identical to paper-based notarization. In order to obtain an e-seal, you would have to request a certificate of authorization to manufacture a Notary seal from the California Secretary of State. Once the certificate is obtained, you can purchase an e-seal from our customer service department.

Alzora Birge

29 Aug 2022

How do I become a remote notary which I'm already a notary and can I do both

National Notary Association

30 Aug 2022

Hello. The process will depend on if your state authorizes remote notarizations. You can find information for each state that authorizes remote notarizations here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary

erica.3@live.com

08 Sep 2022

How do I request another certificate of authorization to manufacture a Notary seal from the California Secretary of State?

National Notary Association

13 Oct 2022

Hello. To obtain a new seal (e.g., to replace a lost or stolen seal or, in the case of a name change, to obtain a seal with the Notary’s new name), the Notary must obtain a duplicate Certificate of Authorization must be by submitting a written request to the Secretary of State. There is no charge for the issuance of a duplicate Certificate of Authorization. You can contact the CA SOS office at 1-916-653-3595.

RAJAN KUMARIA

17 Nov 2022

Hi ,I did my finish course ,did my exam finish,I did not get mt result,Am I missing anything or where I go to find my result , I did exam in 10-17-22 in santa clara ca location. Thanks Rajan Kumaria

National Notary Association

18 Nov 2022

Hello Rajan. Please contact our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org and one of our representatives should be able to assist you.

danavera50@gmail.com

05 Feb 2023

Hi, I'm already a notary. If I apply to do remote notary, can I still use my notary that I have and notarize in person too and not just remote? or can you only do one or the other?

National Notary Association

07 Feb 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Bridgette L Hill

08 Feb 2023

I live in Alabama and I do Remote Notary

Jasmin Flores

18 Apr 2023

Hi, I already have my traditional notary commission. I want to know if I apply for RON, will it cancel my traditional notary license? Will I still be able to make in person transaction?

National Notary Association

18 Apr 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in? We can give you more specific information once we know your state, but can tell you that typically, applying to perform remote notarizations does not prohibit a Notary commission holder from also performing traditional pen-and-paper notarizations.

Glenn Ravnsborg

08 May 2023

I am a Canadian requiring legal forms to be notarized for a Florida company . I assume that I will require a remote notarial service based in Florida. Will this be acceptable to the Florida company as they state that any document notarized outside of the U.S. must be authenticated by a U.S. consulate?

National Notary Association

12 May 2023

Hello. You would need to contact the receiving company directly to find out if they will accept this form of notarization for the document.

axzavordill@gmail.com

08 Jun 2023

For IPEN do we just charge the regular fees in accordance with our state laws plus a travel fee if needed?

National Notary Association

09 Jun 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Faith Miramontes

01 Aug 2023

The electronic seal is starting to look expensive. I purchased the certificate through NNA, and then started looking at platforms where I can use it. Each one wants approximately $125 to do electronic notarizations. I hoped DocuSign, Bluebeam, or Dropbox would be a more affordable option for independent notaries. It would help me be more competitive in some industries, but jeesh, I will have to do this one platform a month at this rate until I start getting customers. I am a bit frustrated at this point and seeing how the Notary business is more profitable for those giving the licenses than those receiving them.

Samantha

21 Sep 2023

Hi there, new remote notary here! I'm commissioned in NY and I want to know if this cancels my traditional notary license. Will I still be able to make in person transactions? Will I need to get a new physical stamp with my new registration number etc. Thanks for the info!

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2023

Hello. You must hold a tradtional Notary commission before applying to perform remote notarizations in New York. Authorization to perform remote notarizations does not cancel your traditional Notary commission. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/new-york

Sherry Treloar

02 Nov 2023

I am in California. I have obtained my electronic seal. However, I have not bee able to locate training/procedures for using it. I don't think the NNA does.

Sheena Wynn

05 Feb 2024

Hello, Do you renew a RON commission? or is it renewed automatically when you renew your notary commission ? im in Florida

National Notary Association

29 Feb 2024

Hi Sheena. Florida's remote Online Notary commission runs concurrently with your traditional Notary Public commission, meaning both will expire on the same day, regardless of when you received your Online Notary commission. You may renew your traditional Notary commission and reapply for your Online Notary authorization at the same time, but you may not reapply to become an Online Notary without your traditional commission.

Tracy helms

25 Mar 2024

What is traditional commission for on line notary? And why aren't Ron vendors notories?

National Notary Association

25 Mar 2024

Remote online technology providers are companies that provide Notaries with the necessary software and technology required to perform online notarizations in their state. For information on state requirements to perform remote notarizations, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary

Tracy Helms

25 Mar 2024

So you go straight to a Ron and jump over ipen notary?

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