A remote online Notary is a traditional Notary Public who has met the application requirements to perform remote notarizations.
Like Notaries who notarize paper documents in person, remote online Notaries are held to the same standard of impartiality when it comes to witnessing the signings of digital documents.
Traditional Notaries vs. Remote Online Notaries
The differences between traditional Notaries and remote online Notaries lie in their appointment location, document format and supplies.
| Traditional Notaries |
Remote Online Notaries |
| In-person location |
Online location |
| Paper documents |
Electronic documents |
| Physical seal stamp |
Electronic seal |
| Paper certificate |
Digital certificate |
| Wet-ink signature |
Electronic signature |
About Remote Online Notarizations
A remote online notarization (RON) is the act of performing a notarization remotely using two-way audio-video technology. It is the online equivalent of an in-person, paper-based notarization where every part of the process is done via the Internet.
Electronic Notarization vs. Remote Online Notarization
An electronic notarization is the act of notarizing a digital document in person. The difference between electronic notarizations and online notarizations is location.
In an electronic notarization, the Notary and signer are in each other's physical presence, whereas the Notary and signer are in two different locations during an online notarization.
How Remote Notarizations Work
Below are the steps on how to perform a remote notarization:
- The signer personally appears before a remote Notary in real time using audio-video technology.
- The Notary verifies the signer's identity using traditional identity-proofing methods with the addition of two steps unique to remote online notarizations: knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and credential analysis.
- Once the remote Notary verifies the signer's identity, they complete the notarization with the attachment of an electronic Notary seal and a digital certificate.
- The Notary collects payment and records the notarial act in their digital journal.
Where Remote Notarizations are Allowed
Remote online notarization is allowed in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Below are states that either authorize Notaries to perform RON at a future date or prohibit RON.
- States allowing RON in the future: California, Massachusetts and North Carolina
- States that prohibit RON: Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina
Benefits of Being a Remote Online Notary
Making money, working from home and always being in demand are three of the top reasons why you should become a remote online Notary. Learn more about the benefits of online Notary work.
Remote Notary Income
Most states set $25 as the maximum fee Notaries may charge for remote notarizations. Find more information on our Notary Fees By State page.
Becoming a Remote Online Notary
When registering as a remote online Notary, you can expect to take a training course (if required), sign up with a state-approved RON provider, hold a surety bond, and submit an application form and fee.
If you’re interested in making more money as a traditional Notary Public, becoming a remote online Notary is a great step forward.