Remote Online Notary: Is It Legal in Your State and How Does It Work
The traditional notary process requires everyone to be in the same room, signing documents with a pen in front of a licensed notary. That system made sense decades ago, but in today’s world of digital real estate transactions and mobile closings, it slows everything down. That is where Remote Online Notary, also known as RON, transforms the closing experience.
Remote Online Notary allows documents to be signed and notarized through a secure audio and video session from anywhere. It is legal in most states and recognized at both state and federal levels when completed correctly. The Title Guy uses secure platforms, identity verification, and recorded sessions to deliver legally compliant notarizations seamlessly, especially for investors, sellers out of state, military families, and busy professionals.
This article explains where RON is legal, how it works, what technology is required, and why more buyers and sellers are choosing it over traditional in-person notarization.
What Is Remote Online Notary
Remote Online Notary is a digital process where a commissioned notary public witnesses the signing of documents through a secure video platform instead of in person. The notary verifies identity, watches the document signing in real time, and applies a digital stamp and certificate.
This is not an electronic signature alone. Remote online notarization includes recorded video, identity verification, tamper-proof seals, and legal documentation that meet state standards.
Is Remote Online Notary Legal in Your State
Remote Online Notary is now legal in more than forty states. Some states passed permanent legislation, while others still use temporary rules that began during the pandemic. A few states only recognize RON for certain document types.
States with permanent RON laws include Texas, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, Nevada, and many more. States like California and South Carolina currently do not permit RON for most real estate transactions.
Even if a property is located in a non-RON state, a document can still be notarized remotely if the notary is physically located in a state where RON is legal and commissioned to perform it. Nationally, the SECURE Notarization Act, supported by the American Land Title Association, is helping to make RON legal in all states.
How Remote Online Notary Works Step by Step
The Title Guy uses secure technology and identity protocols to ensure every remote notarization is valid and compliant.
Step One: Document Preparation
Closing documents are prepared and uploaded to a secure digital signing platform.
Step Two: Identity Verification
The signer verifies identity using government ID scanning and authentication along with knowledge-based identity questions.
Step Three: Live Audio Video Session
The signer joins a secure video session with a licensed notary. The entire session is recorded and stored.
Step Four: Digital Signature and Notary Seal
The signer signs electronically. The notary applies a digital stamp and digital certificate.
Step Five: Document Storage and Delivery
Executed documents are returned securely to all parties and stored to meet state record-keeping requirements.
Remote Online Notary vs Mobile Notary vs Electronic Signature
It is important to understand the difference between these methods.
Electronic Signature
A digital signature without any notarization or legal witnessing. Often used for general contracts.
Mobile Notary
A licensed notary travels to meet the signer in person to notarize documents.
Remote Online Notary
A fully legal notarization completed online using identity verification and video technology. The notary and signer are not in the same location.
Why Homebuyers, Sellers, and Investors Prefer Remote Online Notary
Remote Online Notary is not just convenient. It prevents closing delays and reduces travel stress during the busiest moments of a transaction.
Benefits include:
- Sign from home, office, or another state
- No need to take time off or travel to a title office
- Faster closings for cash buyers and 1031 exchanges
- Lower risk of missed signatures or errors
- Secure identity verification and document recording
- Works perfectly with mobile closings and digital title service
What Technology Is Needed for Remote Online Notary
All you need is:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A government-issued photo ID
- Access to the secure RON platform provided by The Title Guy
No special software installation is required in most cases. Documents are encrypted and stored digitally to protect privacy and meet state requirements.
Security and Legal Compliance in Remote Notarization
Some buyers worry about whether online notarization is secure or legally valid. RON platforms used by The Title Guy follow state regulations and meet or exceed these security standards:
- Identity verification using ID scan and knowledge-based authentication
- Encrypted document transfer and storage
- Tamper-evident digital seals and certificates
- Full audiovisual recording of the notarization session kept for the legally required period
- Licensed notary physically located in a state where RON is authorized
How The Title Guy Makes Remote Closings Seamless
The Title Guy integrates Remote Online Notary into real estate closings for buyers, sellers, lenders, investors, and estate transactions. Our process includes:
- Scheduling remote closing sessions at your convenience
- Secure document upload and identity verification
- Coordination with lenders, attorneys, and agents
- Mobile closing alternatives if RON is not permitted in your state
- Transparent pricing with no hidden estate or courier fees
Key Takeaways
- Remote Online Notary allows legal notarization through secure video sessions and is now legal in most states.
- It is widely used in real estate for closings, loan documents, deeds, affidavits, and seller financing agreements.
- RON requires identity verification, recorded video, and a licensed notary in a state where it is authorized.
- The Title Guy makes remote notarization simple with technology, mobile flexibility, and compliant digital documentation.
- If you buy, sell, or refinance property from another city or state, RON ensures your closing continues without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Remote Online Notary legal in my state
Most states have approved RON permanently or temporarily. If your state does not allow it, The Title Guy can often use a commissioned notary from a state that does.
Can I notarize a deed online for a real estate closing
Yes, if Remote Online Notary is recognized in your state or if the notary is located in a state where RON is legal and authorized to complete it.
Is Remote Online Notary secure
Yes. Identity is verified digitally, the session is recorded, and a tamper-evident seal is applied to all documents.
Do I still need to go to a title office for closing
Not with RON. The Title Guy offers remote online notarization and mobile closings so you can sign documents from anywhere.
What if my lender does not accept Remote Online Notary
Some lenders still require in-person notarization. In that case, The Title Guy offers mobile notary services to close at your home or office.