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Get Your Documents Notarized Online Anywhere in the World with Online Notary Services.
Updated: Oct 22
Remote Online Notarization (RON): How Online Notarization Works
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows eligible documents to be notarized online through a secure electronic platform, without the signer and notary meeting in person. Instead of traveling to a notary's office or arranging a mobile appointment, the signer meets with a commissioned RON notary through live audio-video technology.
RON can be especially useful when signers are in different locations, traveling, unable to meet a notary in person, or need a notarization outside traditional business hours.
Premium Notary & Legal Services provides nationwide Remote Online Notarization services, and worldwide when permitted and accepted for the document and transaction.
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
Remote Online Notarization, commonly called RON, is a notarization completed electronically while the signer and notary are physically located in different places.
The signer connects with the notary through a secure online platform. The process generally includes identity verification, a live audio-video session, electronic signing, completion of the notarial certificate, and creation of the required electronic records.
Unlike an in-person mobile or e-notary appointment, you do not need to be physically located with the notary.
Can I Use RON From Anywhere?
In many situations, yes.
RON services can be used by signers located throughout the United States, including states where a notary commissioned in that state may not be authorized to perform RON. A signer may be able to use a RON notary commissioned in another state, depending on the applicable laws and the requirements of the document or transaction.
RON can also be used in certain circumstances when the signer is physically outside the United States. Documents relating to U.S. matters may be eligible for notarization while the signer is abroad, provided the applicable requirements are met and the notary is physically located within the state where they are commissioned while performing the notarization.
The important distinction is that the signer and the notary do not have to be in the same location. The notary must follow the laws and rules governing the notarial act in the state where the notary is physically located.
Acceptance of a remotely notarized document is ultimately determined by the applicable law and, when relevant, the organization or authority receiving the document.
Are RON Services Available in Every State?
RON availability can be confusing because two different questions are involved:
Can a notary perform RON under the laws of the state where the notary is commissioned?
Will the document, transaction, or receiving organization accept a remote notarization?
These are not necessarily the same thing.
A notary commissioned in a state that does not authorize that notary to perform RON generally cannot conduct a RON session simply because the signer is located somewhere else. At the same time, a signer located in that state may potentially use a RON notary who is commissioned and authorized to perform RON in another state.
The document and transaction can also have their own requirements. A lender, title company, court, government agency, financial institution, foreign authority, or other receiving organization may have specific requirements concerning electronic or remote notarization.
For this reason, RON availability should not be confused with document acceptance.
Can I Use RON While I Am Outside the United States?
In some circumstances, yes.
A signer who is traveling or living outside the United States may be able to complete a RON notarization for a document involving U.S. matters. The notary must still be physically located within the state where the notary is commissioned and must comply with the applicable notarial laws and requirements.
Whether the resulting notarized document can be used for a particular purpose is a separate question. The receiving organization or applicable authority may have additional requirements for documents signed or notarized remotely while the signer is abroad.
If the document or receiving organization specifies that remote notarization is permitted, the RON process may be an option. Otherwise, the signer should confirm the requirements with the organization requesting or receiving the document.
How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?
Although the exact process can vary by platform and document, a typical RON appointment follows these steps:
1. Upload Your Documents
The signer provides the document through the secure RON platform.
Documents should generally be complete and ready for signing before the notarization session. The notary cannot provide legal advice or determine what terms should be included in your document.
2. Verify Your Identity
The RON platform completes the required identity-verification process. This may include government-issued identification and additional authentication questions or security steps.
The signer must be able to successfully complete the platform's identity-verification requirements.
3. Meet With the Notary Online
The signer connects with the notary through live audio-video communication.
The notary verifies the required information, confirms the signer is participating voluntarily and is able to complete the notarization, and performs the applicable notarial act.
4. Sign and Complete the Notarization
The signer electronically signs the document through the applicable process. The notary then completes the electronic notarial certificate and applies the required electronic notary information.
5. Receive Your Completed Document
After the session is completed, the electronically signed and notarized document can generally be downloaded or otherwise provided through the platform.
Depending on the transaction, additional records or document-delivery requirements may apply.
What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?
Many types of documents may be eligible for RON, depending on applicable law and the requirements of the transaction.
Examples may include:
Powers of attorney
Affidavits and declarations
Real estate and property documents
Loan and mortgage documents
Business and corporate documents
Contracts and agreements
Estate-planning documents
Certain legal documents
Other documents requiring a notarial act
However, not every document can or should be notarized through RON.
Some documents may require an in-person notarization, a particular type of notarial certificate, original documents, witnesses, additional authentication, or other procedures. A receiving organization may also require an in-person notarization even when RON is otherwise permitted.
Does a Notary Decide Whether My Document Can Be Used With RON?
Not necessarily.
A notary can determine whether the requested notarial act can be performed under the laws and rules applicable to the notary. However, a notary generally cannot guarantee that a lender, title company, court, government agency, foreign authority, or other organization will accept a remotely notarized document.
If the document itself or the organization requesting it specifies that RON is permitted, that can help establish that remote notarization is acceptable.
If the document does not address RON, the signer may need to confirm acceptance directly with the organization or authority that will receive the document.
The notary performs the notarization; the receiving organization determines whether the notarized document satisfies its own requirements.
When Might RON Be a Good Option?
RON can be particularly convenient when:
You are located outside Colorado but need a U.S. document notarized.
You are traveling or living outside the United States.
Multiple signers are in different locations.
You cannot easily travel to meet a notary.
You need a notarization outside traditional business hours.
You need a document notarized remotely for a real estate or business transaction.
You prefer an online appointment rather than an in-person meeting.
A mobile or office appointment is impractical.
RON may also be useful for time-sensitive documents when an eligible remote appointment is easier to arrange than an in-person appointment.
RON vs. Mobile Notary vs. E-Notary
These services are sometimes confused, but they are different.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)You and the notary are in different locations and complete the notarization through secure live audio-video technology.
Mobile Notary The notary travels to your location and performs the notarization in person.
E-Notary The signer and notary are physically together, but the document and notarial act are completed electronically rather than with a traditional paper document and ink stamp.
If you want to meet your notary in person but use electronic documents, e-notary may be appropriate. If you do not want to meet in person, RON may be the better option when permitted.
How to Prepare for a RON Appointment
Before your appointment:
Have your document ready and follow any instructions provided by the organization requesting the notarization.
Make sure all required signers are available.
Have an acceptable government-issued identification document available.
Use a device with a working camera and microphone.
Use a stable internet connection.
Choose a quiet, private location for the appointment.
Complete any identity-verification steps required by the RON platform.
Confirm with the receiving organization if you are unsure whether it accepts RON.
Do not sign the document ahead of time unless the notary or transaction instructions specifically allow it.
Can RON Be Used for Real Estate and Mortgage Documents?
RON may be available for certain real estate, mortgage, and property-related documents, depending on the transaction and the requirements of the parties involved.
For example, eligible documents may include purchase, refinance, HELOC, commercial real estate, property, and other mortgage-related documents.
However, real estate transactions can involve multiple parties and organizations with their own requirements. A document being technically eligible for RON does not necessarily mean that every lender, title company, recording office, or other party will accept it remotely.
Always follow the instructions provided by the lender, title company, attorney, or other organization handling the transaction.
How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?
RON pricing varies depending on the service, number of notarizations, signers, document requirements, and any additional services needed.
Premium Notary & Legal Services offers Remote Online Notarization appointments starting at $35 per signing, with exact pricing confirmed before the appointment.
Additional requirements or services may affect the final price.
Nationwide Remote Online Notarization Services
Premium Notary & Legal Services provides secure Remote Online Notarization appointments for eligible documents and transactions throughout the United States and worldwide, when permitted.
Our RON services are designed for individuals, businesses, attorneys, real estate professionals, lenders, and others who need a convenient alternative to in-person notarization.
Appointments may be available 24/7, including same-day and after-hours scheduling, depending on availability and the requirements of the notarization.
If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized online, provide the document and transaction details when requesting an appointment. We can determine whether the requested notarial act is within the notary's authority and explain the appointment requirements. Questions about whether a lender, government agency, court, title company, or other receiving organization will accept RON should be confirmed with that organization.
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