Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for guidance on specific laws regarding Remote Online Notarization (RON), digital signatures, and related legal matters. As laws concerning RON and notarization are subject to frequent changes, it is advisable to verify current regulations with your local government.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, documents often require quick notarization. This can make traditional in-person notarization inconvenient. Remote Online Notarization (RON) offers a convenient alternative. But what is RON, and how does it compare to other notarization methods? This exploration of RON helps you understand how it can streamline document signing while providing a safe and efficient way to notarize documents from anywhere.
Understanding Different Notarization Methods
Notarization is crucial to legal processes. It helps ensure authenticity and helps prevents fraud. While many think of traditional notarization as the only option, there are three main notarization methods: traditional, hybrid, and remote online.
Traditional Notarization
Traditional notarization requires meeting a notary public in person. You sign the document in their presence. The notary verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and adds their official seal.
Hybrid Notarization
Electronic notarization uses electronic signatures and digital seals. The signer and notary still meet in person. However, the process is digital. This can also sometimes be a hybrid notarization where some documents are signed electronically while others are signed in person.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON enables you to notarize documents online, wherever you are. The entire interaction happens online using secure audio-visual technology. This eliminates the need for physical presence, increasing flexibility and convenience.
As long as you and the notary public have an internet-connected computer or laptop with a webcam, you can start the process. This answers one of the frequently asked questions concerning accessibility.
The Benefits of Remote Online Notarization
RON is gaining popularity due to its many advantages. RON can allow signers to perform notarizations from anywhere, without long waits or travel. But, the laws vary from state to state, so we always recommend checking with an attorney or your local legislation before taking advantage of these benefits of RON:
Increased Convenience and Accessibility
Online notarization allows you to sign documents anytime, from anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers. This makes the document notarized online available to a wider audience. This also contributes to an enhanced customer experience, as there are fewer delays.
Enhanced Security and Efficiency
RON often incorporates robust online notarization technology. This can improve security and efficiency, because it uses multi-factor identity verification techniques to help minimize fraud risk.
Additionally, secure digital storage of notarized documents makes access and retrieval easy. An online notary service can provide added security measures during the notarization process.
Cost Savings and Reduced Delays
RON streamlines the entire notarization process. It does this by reducing travel costs and processing times, resulting in significant time and money savings. As everything is handled online, there is no travel time. Additionally, digital documents remove the need for shipping and printing. This shortens timelines and saves on administrative costs.
Increased Legal Clarity and Acceptance
Many states are proactively updating their laws to accommodate the legality of Remote Online Notarization (RON). This shift towards legal clarity provides a more transparent framework for the use of RON, instilling confidence in its adoption.
Industries such as real estate and financial services are recognizing the benefits of RON, driving its increased adoption. The use of electronic notarial acts through RON increases transaction speeds and efficiency, making it an attractive solution for these industries.
By embracing RON, these industries can:
- Streamline their operations
- Reduce costs
- Enhance the customer experience
As RON continues to gain traction, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption across various industries.
For more information on states that have embraced RON transactions, check out our recent post, “Remote Online Notary Laws: Which States Allow Online Notarization in 2025.”
How Remote Online Notarization Works
A typical remote online notarization session involves several steps. These include identity verification, two-way, secure audio-visual communication, and signing. This is followed by electronic signatures, timestamping, and journaling.
Identity Verification
To start most online notarizations, the signer first verifies their identity using multi-factor authentication. This involves credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication or biometrics through facial recognition software. Identity proofing helps to ensure a secure remote online notarization session.
Two-Way, Secure Audio-Visual Communication
After identity verification, a live, secure audio-visual session starts between the signer and the notary. RON legislation often mandates real-time communication and secure connections. This helps protect data throughout the remote online notarizations. During this live session, the online notary can guide you through the process and help you feel confident in your notarization.
Signing, Electronic Signatures, Timestamping, and Journalizing
Finally, the notary obtains consent to sign electronically and observe the signer signing. Timestamps help protect the data and give the document legal weight. Notaries also utilize electronic journals to record information on the transaction.
Choosing RON vs. Traditional Notarization vs. Electronic Notarization
Choosing the right notarization method depends on factors like convenience, security, and the specific requirements of your transaction (including legal requirements). Traditional notarization, ehybrid notarization, and remote online notarization (RON) each offer unique advantages suited to different scenarios.
The chart below compares these methods based on key features, accessibility, security measures, and common use cases, helping you determine the best option for your needs.
Whether you prefer in-person interactions or need the flexibility of remote solutions, this guide outlines what to consider when selecting a notarization approach.
PLEASE NOTE that the below does not consider legal or regulatory factors, and since states have different laws as to what documents can be notarized and how, please consult a local attorney for whether RON is right for your transaction or documents.
| Method | Key Features | Convenience | Security | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Notarization | In-person signing, physical documents, wet ink signature | Low | Basic ID verification | Simple agreements, local transactions |
| Hybrid Notarization | In-person signing, digital documents, electronic signature | Medium | Basic ID verification (may vary) | Digital transactions requiring in-person presence |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | Remote signing, digital documents, electronic signature, audio-video verification | High | Advanced ID verification with audit trail | Cross-border transactions, remote access needs |
FAQs about Remote Online Notarization
What is a remote online notarization?
A remote online notarization (RON) allows you to complete notarizations digitally with an online notary public. The entire process happens online with audio-visual technology to facilitate communication, enhancing the customer experience.
How many states allow remote online notarization?
As of 2024, 45 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing Remote Online Notarization (RON), with varying degrees of implementation and regulation. States like California, Massachusetts, and Illinois recently adopted RON, while a few states still operate under temporary legislation. Always check specific state laws to confirm RON applies to your needs.
Does Illinois allow online notary?
Yes, Illinois allows RON, providing a convenient option for online notarization. Residents and businesses can use remote online notarizations in many situations. Online notaries provide a way to perform these notarial acts without physical meetings.
Does Arizona allow online notary?
Yes, Arizona allows RON. This provides a secure, efficient, and convenient option for document signing using a remote online notary public. Residents and businesses alike have easier access to perform these notarial acts.
What are the key differences between Traditional Notarization and RON?
Traditional Notarization requires all parties to be physically present with paper documents, using ink signatures and manual identity verification. RON can allow digital document handling with electronic signatures, remote participation via secure video conferencing, and advanced identity verification through multi-factor authentication or biometric analysis RON sessions also create tamper-evident digital records with encrypted audit trails, while traditional methods typically rely on paper journals.
Conclusion
Remote online notarization (RON) can transform document notarization. It can increase accessibility, efficiency, and security. RON can also save time and money.
As RON legislation develops and more businesses adopt this innovative approach, RON is becoming essential to the modern business world.