As of April 29, 2021, Arkansas Notaries with an active Notary Public commission may register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Follow the steps below if you're interested in becoming an AR remote online Notary.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Complete the Online Application for Electronic Notary Commission.
- Submit your completed application and payment for the $25 fee to the Secretary of State.
- Take the required training course and pass the exam.
- Contract with a state-approved RON provider.
In This Guide: Arkansas RON Requirements | About RON in Arkansas | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Arkansas
Before you can apply to perform remote notarizations, you must first meet Arkansas' requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Notaries must be at least 18 years old; be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.; be a legal resident of Arkansas, a resident of a bordering state and employed or operating a business in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member employed or operating a business in Arkansas; and be able to read and write English.
You must not have had a Notary commission revoked in the past 10 years nor have ever been convicted of a felony.
What are the training requirements to work as an online Notary?
Arkansas Notaries must take a training course from an approved education provider.
Is there an exam to become a remote Notary in Arkansas?
Yes, passing the exam is required. You may take the exam twice within a 12-month period. If you don't pass the exam, you'll need to restart the application process.
What tools and technology do I need to perform RONs?
In order to provide remote Notary services, you'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure connection to the internet. You'll need to contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements. The Arkansas Secretary of State does not endorse any specific third-party RON vendor, but the following providers meet state requirements: BlueNotary, Clear Sign, DocVerify, Pavaso and SIGNiX.
Other tools you'll need include an electronic seal, an electronic journal and a digital certificate containing your electronic signature. These items must be compatible with your chosen RON provider.
Do I need a second surety bond?
No, a second bond is not required to perform remote online notarizations in Arkansas.
Is an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy required?
While not required, an E&O insurance policy is strongly recommended. Unlike a surety bond that protects the public, an E&O policy protects you from legal fees that arise from unintentional mistakes on a notarization.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Arkansas
Learn the difference between a remote notarization and a remote ink-signed notarization plus more below.
Does Arkansas allow remote online notarization?
Yes, Senate Bill 340 was enacted and took effect on April 29, 2021. The new bill allows AR Notaries with an active commission to register to perform online notarizations. Remote Notaries can notarize for signers in any location, but the Notaries themselves must be physically present within Arkansas at the time of the notarial act.
What's the difference between a remote online notarization (RON) vs. remote ink-signed notarization (RIN)?
A remote online notarization (RON) is a completely digital and remote transaction, involving electronic documents and signatures. A remote ink-signed notarization (RIN) is a remote transaction but involves paper documents and wet-ink signatures.
How do remote notarizations work in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, remote online notarizations work the same as in-person notarizations with a few exceptions. The Notary verifies the signer's identity through the use of 1) personal knowledge, 2) satisfactory evidence from a credible witness, or 3) remote presentation of a government-issued ID, credential analysis, and identity proofing.
Once the signer's identity has been verified, the Notary confirms the signer's awareness and willingness to sign. Then, the Notary checks the document for blanks, completes the notarial certificate wording, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
Online Notaries are required to keep an audio-visual recording and journal entry of the session.
What types of notarizations are permitted online?
In Arkansas, Notaries are allowed to perform the following notarial acts remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying or attesting a copy
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations are much quicker than in-person notarizations simply because travel is no longer a factor. From the time the signer logs onto the RON platform to when the Notary saves a recording of the notarial act, the whole transaction can only take a few minutes.
Additional RON FAQs
Below, we break down the cost and timeline for becoming an Arkansas online Notary.
How much does it cost to become an AR remote online Notary?
Becoming a remote Notary in Arkansas can cost below $100 up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the vendors you choose to work with among other factors. For example, you'll need to pay $25 to register as an eNotary and an additional $25 to register to perform RONs. There will be the $30 fee for the course and exam, the fee to sign up with a RON provider and the cost of your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
If you have a surety bond and/or recommended E&O policy, you'll need to factor in the cost of maintaining those policies. Other expenses if you don't already have these supplies include a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access.
How much can online Notaries charge in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not set the fee remote Notaries can charge per notarization, but the Secretary does require the signer agree to your fee in advance.
How long does it take to become an online Notary?
It can take up to six weeks to become a remote online Notary in Arkansas with a majority of that time spent on getting your traditional commission.
Once you officially become a Notary Public, you'll spend one day completing and submitting the application to the Secretary of State, one or two days taking the required training and exam, and one day choosing and getting set up with a RON provider. It may take up to a week to get your request approved by the SOS.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
Your remote Notary authorization runs concurrently with your traditional Notary Public commission. After renewing your commission, you can reapply for your remote authorization.
Will RON services grow my AR Notary business?
Yes, providing remote online notarizations can only help your business grow. With the technology and means to perform notarial acts online, you're able to notarize for more signers in a shorter amount of time.
To expand your business further, consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Getting your NSA certificate demonstrates you've passed a current background screening, making you eligible for loan signings.
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Last updated: May 5, 2023