Remote Online Notarization (RON), also called remote notarization, webcam notarization, online notarization, or virtual notarization, is a method allowing notaries to notarize documents in electronic format remotely via audio-visual technology.

RON offers several benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. It can be particularly useful in situations where signers are unable to meet with a notary in person due to geographical constraints, mobility issues, or other reasons.

Click here to watch a short video about RON from the National Notary Association.

Short answer: Yes!

Long answer: Yes! In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, several states issued emergency measures allowing notaries to perform remote online notarization services during the crisis.

In Pennsylvania, RON came in phases and began in March 2020. Governor Wolf signed Act 97 into law later that year and made RON a permanent part of Pennsylvania law.

In New Jersey, Assembly Bill 4250 took effect on October 22, 2021 and allowed notaries in New Jersey to perform notarial acts remotely using audio-visual communication technology.

As of November 2023, 47 states and the District of Columbia have passed remote notarization laws.

Those states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachussetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Nearly all documents can be notarized remotely; however, electronically notarized documents will always be at the discretion of the receiving party as to acceptance.

Always check with an attorney, advisor, or document recipient(s) if you have any questions about whether your documents can be remotely notarized.

The documents below cannot be notarized online.

Pennsylvania Vehicle Title Transfers

• Despite RON being legal in Pennsylvania, PENNDOT vehicle title transfers still require wet signatures (pen and paper).

Form I-9

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not permit the use of online audio/video conference technology for the completion of this document.

Codicils & Testamentary Trusts

• There are nuanced execution requirements for the electronic signing and remote platform. Please contact us.

Documents that appear tampered

• Notaries have the authority to decline notarizing documents if they suspect any signs of tampering, such as alterations like cross-outs, white-outs, or cut and paste.

Contact and Scheduling:

• Appointments can be scheduled directly on our website.

• Client will select their preferred day and time, upload the document(s) requiring notarization, and provide additional information including but not limited to: additional signers, witnesses, observers, etc.

Document Review and Pre-Tagging:

• The notary will review and pre-tag the document(s) in advance and set up the RON session link.

Begin Live Video Meeting:

• Client clicks the link in the confirmation email to join the session and follow the instructions for ID analysis and identity authentication process.

Document Review and Notarization:

• Client and notary review the document(s) and sign electronically (if applicable).

• The notary will affix their digital signature and notary seal(s) to the document.

Download Document:

• Once the notarization process is complete, the final document(s) will be available for download.

RON includes robust identity verification processes using facial recognition, biometric data, and government-issued IDs. Encryption ensures secure communication between parties, while detailed audit trails track the notarization process for accountability. Documents are securely stored with access controls to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

The RON platform can accommodate up to a maximum of 5 signers at one time. Signers do not need to be physically together; they can electronically sign on separate devices or be in the same location.

Computer or Mobile Device:

• You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access to connect to the RON platform.

Webcam:

• A webcam is necessary for video conferencing to enable the notary to see you during the notarization process.

Microphone:

• A microphone allows for clear audio communication during the video conference.

Speakers or Headphones:

• These are needed to hear instructions and communicate with the notary.

Document Scanner or Camera:

• You will need to upload or show documents to the notary, so a scanner or high-quality camera is useful for capturing clear images of documents.

Secure Internet Connection:

• A stable and secure internet connection is essential to prevent interruptions or security vulnerabilities during the notarization process.

Yes. We can provide witnesses to join our remote session for an additional cost. Just let us know on the intake form when scheduling your appointment online, and we’ll take it from there!

No! You can be situated anywhere within the United States — or even globally — as long as your document’s intended use is relevant to matters within the U.S.

The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution allows a notarization performed in one state to be legal in any other state.

Yes, so long as that the document is intended for use within the United States.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey (the 2 states in which we are commissioned) are two of only a small handful of states that permit biometrics ID proofing. This a process that checks liveness by taking various 'selfie' angles via video and comparing those images to Photo ID submitted.

Biometrics ID proofing provides an accessible solution for individuals regardless of their location or citizenship status.

While the signer(s) can be anywhere in the world, the notary must physically be within the state in which they are commissioned.

Our Remote Online Notarization service starts at $25 and includes (a) complimentary notarial seal(s) depending on the selected package when scheduled in advance online. Further details can be found in the fee section below.