Starting on January 1, 2022, Kansas Notaries may register to perform remote online notarization (RON). The steps below guide you through the process of becoming a Kansas remote online Notary:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Take a training course and pass an exam.
- Contract with a RON technology provider that meets state requirements.
- Pay the application fee.
- Notify the Secretary of State of the name of your chosen RON vendor.
In This Guide: Kansas RON Requirements | About RON in Kansas | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Kansas
Before you can apply to perform remote notarizations, you must first meet Kansas' requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Notaries must be at least 18 years old, be citizens of the U.S., be residents of Kansas or a bordering state who have a place of employment or practice in Kansas, be able to read and write English, and not be disqualified to receive a commission by any of the grounds under Section 24 of the Act and amendments thereto.
Does Kansas require training or an exam to work as an online Notary?
Yes, the Kansas Secretary of State requires Notaries to take a course of study and pass an exam. Notaries must provide proof of completion as part of their application.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations?
In order to provide remote Notary services, you'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. You'll need to choose a RON technology provider approved by the Secretary of State. While the SOS does not endorse any specific third-party vendor, the following meet state requirements: BlueNotary, Clear Sign, Cyberize It, DocuSign, DocVerify, Pavaso and SIGNiX.
Do I need a second surety bond?
No, another surety bond is not required.
Is an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy required?
No, an E&O policy is not required but is strongly recommended. A surety bond protects the public from your mistakes whereas E&O insurance protects you from costly legal fees should a signer pursue legal action.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Kansas
Learn how remote notarizations work in the Sunflower State below.
Does Kansas allow remote online notarization?
Yes, Senate Bill 106 was enacted and took effect on January 1, 2022. Under the new bill, active Notaries can register to perform remote notarizations of electronic documents for signers within and outside of Kansas. While signers can be located anywhere, KS Notaries must be physically present within the state at the time of the notarial act.
How do remote online notarizations work in Kansas?
First, the signer logs onto the RON platform. The Notary verifies the signer's identity by 1) personal knowledge, 2) the oath or affirmation of a credible witness appearing physically before the Notary or by means of communication technology, or 3) two different types of identity proofing processes or services. Afterward, the signer and Notary meet on camera.
From here, the Notary confirms the signer understands and is willing to sign the document. The Notary checks the document for blanks, completes the notarial wording, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
Once the Notary has saved a journal entry and audio-video recording of the notarization, the transaction is complete.
What notarial acts can be performed remotely in Kansas?
Kansas Notaries can perform the following acts remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying or attesting a copy
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations take far less time than traditional notarizations simply because travel is no longer a factor. It can take you only a few minutes from when the signer logs onto the RON platform to when you meet the signer on camera to when you save an audio-visual recording of the transaction.
What's the difference between electronic notarization vs. remote online notarization?
Electronic notarizations involve digital documents and electronic signatures but are performed in person as opposed to online — the difference between eNotarizations and remote online notarizations. During remote online notarizations, the signer and Notary personally appear before each other virtually through a dedicated RON platform.
Additional RON FAQS
Here, we go over the cost of becoming a remote Notary and the fees they can charge in Kansas.
How much does it cost to become a KS remote online Notary?
Becoming a remote Notary in Kansas can cost below $100 up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the companies you choose to work with plus other factors. The registration cost for remote Notary authorization is $25.
You'll also need to factor in the cost of the training course and exam in addition to any fees to sign up with a RON technology provider.
Additional expenses include your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate and optional surety bond and/or recommended E&O policy. If you don't already have the following items, you'll need to buy these as well: computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access.
How much can KS remote Notaries charge for their services?
The Secretary of State does not provide the maximum fee remote Notaries in Kansas can charge, but it's a best practice to inform signers of your fees prior to the notarization.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary in Kansas?
It can take between four to six weeks to become a remote Notary in Kansas with a majority of that time spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission. The registration process to perform RONs is relatively quick once you're commissioned.
You'll spend up to a week on the state-required training and exam, one day choosing and getting set up with a RON vendor, and one day notifying the SOS of your intent to perform remote notarizations along with providing payment for the information and services fee.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
Your remote Notary authorization runs concurrently with your traditional commission, meaning both will expire once your term ends. You'll need to renew your Notary Public commission before applying to become a remote Notary again.
Will RON services grow my KS Notary business?
Yes, providing remote online notarizations can only benefit your business. By cutting out the time it takes to meet a signer in person and having access to signers outside of your area, you can perform many more notarizations than before.
Another way to boost your business is by becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Notaries certified as NSAs may be eligible for more complex signings and a variety of jobs since the certificate demonstrates you've been properly trained and completed a recent background screening.
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Last updated: June 21, 2023