Get Notarized Easy, Online.

Remote Online Notarization, or RON, is a modern form of notarization where a signer personally appears before a commissioned notary over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Instead of meeting in person and using a wet ink signature, documents are signed and notarized digitally. The process uses sophisticated technology, including identity verification and tamper-evident seals, to ensure a secure and legally-binding notarial act from anywhere in the world.

The laws and requirements for Remote Online Notarization vary significantly from state to state. Some states have permanent RON laws, while others may have temporary measures. To perform RON, you must be commissioned in a state that authorizes it and use a state-approved RON technology platform. For a detailed breakdown of your state's status, please see our Full State RON Status Chart.

General requirements to become a notary public typically include being at least 18 years old, being a legal resident of the state you are applying in, and having no felony convictions. However, each state has its own specific requirements, which may also include mandatory training, passing an exam, and securing a surety bond. To become a Remote Online Notary, you usually must first hold a traditional notary commission in your state.

The RON experience is designed to be secure and convenient. The typical process is:
1. The signer uploads their document to the secure RON platform.
2. The signer verifies their identity through a multi-step process that often includes answering knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and uploading a photo of their government-issued ID.
3. The signer connects with the commissioned remote notary in a live, recorded audio-video session.
4. The notary verifies the signer's identity and witnesses as the signer electronically signs the document.
5. The notary then electronically signs and applies their digital notary seal to the document, making it official.

Yes. It is illegal to sign a document on behalf of someone else without proper legal authority, such as a Power of Attorney. Signing for another person under false pretenses is considered forgery and fraud, which can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. The entire purpose of notarization is to prevent such fraud by verifying the identity of the person who is actually signing the document.

Starting a successful notary business involves several key steps:
1. Get Commissioned: Fulfill all of your state's requirements to become a traditional notary.
2. Get Specialized Training: To maximize your income, get certified as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) and a Remote Online Notary. Comprehensive training is essential.
3. Get the Right Tools: Purchase a quality notary seal, journal, and subscribe to a state-compliant RON platform.
4. Create a Business Plan: Define your services, target market (e.g., real estate, legal, general public), and pricing.
5. Market Yourself: Build a professional website, network with local businesses, and establish a strong online presence. You can find more information in our online guide to notary training.