How many states allow remote online notarization?
Asked by: Mrs. Ena Hudson I | Last update: April 28, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (22 votes)
As of early 2025, 45 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for permanent or temporary remote online notarization (RON), with most moving towards permanent legislation, though requirements vary significantly, and a few states like Rhode Island and Delaware have specific conditions or restrictions, while some states still lack full authorization or have implementation delays. The National Association of Secretaries of State and NotaryCam are good resources for tracking the latest state-specific laws.
What states allow for remote online notarization?
Yes, California now allows remote online notarization. Governor Newsom signed SB 696 into law in 2023, which will take effect in 2024. This law permits the use of RON in California, although it's important to note that there may be specific requirements and regulations to follow.
Can you notarize a document remotely?
Yes! Remote online notarization is just another method of performing notarizations. A remotely notarized document is as legally valid as one notarized via traditional paper-based notarization.
Does GA allow RON?
Remote Online Notarization in Georgia was Suspended on April 15, 2022; it was temporarily legal in Georgia due to Covid-19 but is now illegal. HR Bill 334 in Georgia to make Remote Online Notarization permanently legal in Georgia is under review by Congress in Georgia. It has been rejected and has not passed.
Is Ron allowed in Alabama?
Alabama's notarization laws took a significant step forward on July 1, 2021, when Senate Bill 275 was enacted, allowing notaries public in Alabama to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON).
How to Perform a Remote Online Notarization
Is a remote notary as good as an in-person notary?
Security and Fraud Prevention
Remote notarization platforms typically use encrypted video conferencing, multifactor authentication, and digital audit trails to ensure security. However, traditional notaries still hold the edge in preventing fraud through face-to-face interaction and physical document handling.
Can a Georgia notary notarize in Alabama?
The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.
Is Ron legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have a Remote Online Notarization (RON) law. However, the state recognizes online notarizations legally performed by notaries from other states.
Can you do a virtual notary in Georgia?
Even though Georgia does not currently authorize its own notaries to perform online notary, Georgia law recognizes and accepts online notarizations performed by out-of-state notaries under their state rules (Georgia Code Title 44 § 44-2-21, § 44-2-21, § 44-14-34, § 44-14-62, and Title 9. § 9-10-113.)
Can house closings be done remotely?
Flexibility across time zones: Remote signings ease transactions, especially for buyers and sellers in different regions, like a California seller closing a deal with buyers in New Jersey despite time zone differences.
What is the best remote online Notary platform?
The best RON platform for notaries depends on needs (independent vs. enterprise, high volume vs. starting out), with top contenders including Notarize (Proof) for its industry leadership, ease of use, and strong support, OneNotary for flexibility with existing clients, DocVerify for reliability and lower cost, NotaryCam/Safedocs for international/enterprise needs, and Cyberiz Light/Notary Hub for cost-effectiveness and independent control, all while ensuring state approval.
Can you use DocuSign with a remote Notary?
Securely sign and notarize agreements online with the Docusign experience you know and love. Deliver remote online notarization (RON) to customers with 24/7 access to a pool of notaries or with your own notaries. Or simply notarize a document instantly.
Does location of Notary matter?
Yes, the location of the notary matters significantly because they must be physically within their commissioning state's borders to perform an act, and the "venue" (e.g., "State of X, County of Y") on the document must reflect that physical location, establishing their authority and jurisdiction, even if the document itself is for another state. A notary can only notarize where they physically are, following their home state's laws, not the location where the document originated or will be used.
What is the hardest state to become a notary in?
California and Louisiana are often cited as having the hardest notary requirements, with California requiring a mandatory 6-hour course, a tough proctored exam, and a background check, while Louisiana's exam is compared to the bar exam due to its legal scope, involving complex state-specific laws. Illinois has also implemented rigorous new training and testing, making it another challenging state, says the National Notary Association (NNA).
What are the risks of using a remote notary?
Remote notarization platforms handle highly sensitive personal data (driver's license images, legal documents). The risk is using an unsecure or non-compliant platform that is vulnerable to data breaches.
What is the difference between an e-notary and a remote notary?
In-person electronic notarization: The principal is in the Notary's physical presence, and signatures are electronic. The Notary may use an electronic seal. Remote ink-signed notarization: The principal appears before the Notary remotely using video conference technology like Skype or Zoom.
Do all states allow virtual notaries?
Current Status of Remote Notarization
Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have a law that allows for remote e-notarization.
What is the new notary law in Georgia 2025?
As of January 1, 2025, a notary public shall maintain a written or electronic journal which shall include an entry for each notarial act performed at the request of a self-filer.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document.
Can you be a notary in all 50 states?
If you would like to become a notary in another state, you will probably have to meet that state's specific requirements. Therefore, your commission will not transfer to another state. Instead, you will have to go through the application and qualification process a second time.
Does Alabama allow Ron?
What are the notary laws in Alabama? The state of Alabama uses a hybrid of RON and remote ink-signed notarization. The document signer must send the documents and papers to be notarized to the Notary. Typically, you may do this with a link you receive in an email after scheduling your appointment.
Is Ron allowed in NC?
The Remote Electronic Notarization Act, or RONA, officially became law in North Carolina on July 1, 2023, legalizing remote online notarization, or RON, on a permanent basis. It allows notaries to use audio-visual technology to complete notarizations.
Can I transfer my notary from one state to another?
The answer generally is “no” — Notary commissions are not transferable between states. If you are relocating to another state, you need to resign your current commission and apply for a Notary commission in your new state.
Can I notarize for family in GA?
Georgia law does not specifically address performing notarial acts for relatives. However, the role of a notary public is to be a disinterested witness. Requests to perform notarial acts for any family member may create serious problems and should be avoided.
Can I write my own will and have it notarized in Alabama?
However, Alabama allows you to make your will "self-proving," and you'll need to use a notary if you want to do that.