Is remote closing legal in California?

Asked by: Harmon Hand  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)

Does California allow remote closing? Yes, California lets you close your mortgage remotely using digital tools and online notarization.

Can you close on a house remotely in California?

The movement caught steam in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and today 44 states have permanent laws legalizing remote online notarization, with California being the latest on September 30, 2023 with the passage of CA Senate Bill 696.

Which states allow remote closings?

Currently, these states have adopted permanent Remote Online Notarization (RON) laws:
  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Arkansas.
  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Connecticut.
  • Florida.
  • Hawaii.

Does CA allow remote online notarization?

Does California allow remote online notaries? Yes. Starting January 1, 2024, Californians will have the option to get their documents notarized online, based on California Senate Bill 696.

Is remote closing risky?

Remote closings are a great option for those states that allow it, but the current pandemic can be very challenging for real estate professionals located in states that don't. California, for example, requires the personal appearance of the signer before the notary public.

What is Remote Closing | High Ticket Closing (and Is It Legit?)

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How do I start remote closing?

Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:
  1. Develop Your Sales Skills. No matter the industry, all remote closers need a solid foundation in sales. ...
  2. Master Digital Communication Tools. ...
  3. Build a Strong Professional Network. ...
  4. Find Remote Closing Jobs. ...
  5. Refine Your Closing Techniques.

How much do remote notaries make in California?

How much does a Remote Notary make in California? As of Jan 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Remote Notary in California is $63,928 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,229/week or $5,327/month.

Can closing documents be signed electronically in California?

Now, customers across California can use online notarization to close their property. Last year, California passed SB 696, authorizing their notaries to perform remote online notarizations and ensuring that notarizations from other states were recognized in California.

Which states do not allow RON?

States that only allow IPEN and not RON currently include California and Mississippi. Remote ink-signed notarization (RIN). RIN is similar to RON; however, the closing is paper-based.

What does remote closing mean?

Although the concept of remote closing was initially applied only to real estate transactions, after the pandemic spurred a massive shift toward digital and remote work, it gained popularity and took on a broader meaning. Today, remote closings refer to any deal negotiated and closed online.

Are online notary services legal?

Yes, California now allows remote online notarization. Governor Newsom signed SB 696 into law in 2023, which will take effect in 2024.

What is a RON disclosure?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is the use of audio/visual technology to complete a notarial act when the principal is not in the same physical location as the notary public—getting consistent state laws passed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico is a critical step in moving to a fully digital ...

What states allow remote closing on a house?

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, ...

Can I close on my house virtually?

Overall, it depends on what you're most comfortable with and what your state allows. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a mortgage vet — e-closings are a convenient way to virtually sign some — or all — of your closing documents and send you on your way with your new home loan.

Can a home closing be done remotely?

Most states do allow remote closings, and as they become more accepted, it's likely that others will follow suit. Plus, RON alternatives such as IPEN and hybrid e-closings offer some of the benefits of a true remote closing, which makes them legal in the states that require a physical meeting.

What is the rule 2.257 in California?

Rules 2.257

Under the proposed requirements, the electronic signature must be (1) unique to the declarant, (2) capable of verification, (3) under the sole control of the declarant, and (4) linked to data in such a manner that if the data are changed, the electronic signature may be declared invalid by the court.

Is Docusign legally binding in California?

Government Code section 16.5 states a digital signature shall have the same force and effect as a manual signature if and only if: It is unique to the person using it. It is capable of verification. It is under the sole control of the person using it.

Are remote notaries in demand?

Location and Demand

Location plays a crucial role in influencing a remote online notary's income. States with high property values or legal activities, like California or New York, tend to present more lucrative opportunities due to increased demand.

What notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. ​Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.

Can anyone become a remote closer?

The remote part of the job can add another layer of complexity as it requires high self-discipline, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. That being said, with the right mindset and skillset, anyone with a passion for sales and a drive to succeed can excel as a remote closer.

Is remote closing a good job?

Remote closers often work on commission. The more deals they close, the more money they make. Top performers can earn six-figure salaries or more. Remote closing also offers a level of flexibility that traditional sales jobs don't.

How to get into remote closing with no experience?

How to become a remote closer
  1. Determine your niche. While there are typically no formal education requirements to become a remote closer, consider the different sales niches available. ...
  2. Develop your sales skill set. ...
  3. Build a sales network. ...
  4. Apply for internal sales positions.