Which states do not allow RON?
Asked by: Savanna Hoeger | Last update: February 17, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (67 votes)
As of late 2025/early 2026, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina are the primary states that do not fully allow Remote Online Notarization (RON) for all types of transactions, though some have temporary or limited rules, while California has laws for future implementation but isn't currently active. Connecticut also has specific restrictions, excluding real estate transactions from its RON laws, notes the Sandler Law Group.
What states don't 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 is the hardest state to become a notary in?
The state with the toughest application requirements is...
California not only requires an exam, it also requires mandatory training up to 6 hours, a background check and a minimum exam score of 70% in order to obtain a notary commission.
Is RON allowed in Georgia?
States that allow RON in the future: California, District of Columbia and Massachusetts. States that don't allow RON: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.
Does SC allow RON?
South Carolina currently does not have a Remote Online Notarization (RON) law, which means notaries in the state cannot perform online notarizations. However, South Carolina recognizes online notarizations legally performed by notaries in other states.
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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.
Which states allow notaries to marry someone?
Florida, South Carolina, Montana, Nevada, Maine and Tennessee are the only states where a notary public can officiate a wedding. If you're marrying in any other state, a notary generally can't officiate. You'd typically have an ordained officiant, a minister, a judge or court official.
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).
Is being a remote notary a good side hustle?
Whether you're looking for a work-from-home career, or a side gig to complement your 9-to-5 job, being a remote Notary can provide you that additional stream of income. The amount you earn can significantly increase by using your Notary commission to become a Notary Signing Agent.
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 I live in one state and be a notary in 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.
Which type of notary makes the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs.
Can you use DocuSign instead of a notary?
Notary features
With a robust set of features for secure remote notarizations (RON), Docusign Notary enables quick sending, signing, and on-demand, electronic notarization of critical agreements, anytime—whether you have your own notaries or not. Benefit from the familiar eSignature experience.
Are online notaries in high demand?
The online notarization industry has seen significant growth in demand in recent years, but 2026 is proving to be a critical moment in the industry's development. Remote notarization has become a necessary function in real estate, legal, financial, healthcare, and compliance with workflows.
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.
How to make 6 figures as a notary?
To be a six figure-earning money as a notary loan signing agent, you need to do 667 signings a year — or 13 signings a week — and you only need 3 escrow officers feeding you their loan signing appointments to be well on your way to making six figures a year, working less than 40 hours a week.
Can you live off being a notary?
Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, but loan signing agents often make $75 to $200+ per appointment, while general mobile notary work can range from $30 to $100+ per trip, depending on location, travel distance, document complexity, and whether they work directly with clients or through signing services. Highly profitable mobile notaries focus on real estate closings (loan signings) or specialized niche markets, adding fees for travel, printing, and administrative tasks.
Can I notarize for my family members?
California permits notarizing for family, except when the notary receives direct benefit. This includes financial gain or personal value through the document. Impartiality is central to any notarial act.
Can a regular notary officiate a wedding?
Yes, but only in specific states like Florida, Tennessee, and sometimes California (with extra steps), as most states do not allow regular notaries to officiate weddings; you must verify your state's laws and ensure the notary meets all local requirements for solemnizing marriage. A standard notary commission doesn't automatically grant wedding authority, so it's crucial to confirm the notary is authorized by your state's specific regulations to perform marriages, often requiring extra courses or appointments.
How many states allow RON?
How many states have Ron? As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for remote online notarization (RON). The specific implementation and requirements may vary from state to state.
What are common officiant mistakes?
Common officiant mistakes include getting names wrong, being late, rushing, failing to rehearse, making the ceremony too much about themselves with inappropriate humor, not coordinating with the wedding team (DJ, photographer), using language the couple dislikes (especially religious terms), and poor planning for the first kiss or post-ceremony logistics, all leading to awkwardness and distracting from the couple's moment.
Can a notary marry two people?
What About California? If you're in California and looking for a notary in Newport Beach, it's important to note that California notaries do not have the legal authority to perform marriages. However, couples in California can opt for: A religious officiant.
Can you be married in the eyes of God but not legally?
Yes, many religious perspectives hold that you can be considered married "in the eyes of God" through vows, covenant, and commitment without legal registration, but this does not grant you legal rights, benefits, or protections (like inheritance, taxes, property) that the state provides for legally married couples, requiring a license for full recognition. While some biblical views see the spiritual union as primary, others emphasize obeying civil laws by getting the license too, so couples often choose both to honor God and the state.