North Dakota Notaries can register with the Secretary of State for authorization to perform remote online notarizations (RONs), and to take acknowledgments remotely on paper documents (RIN).
Becoming a remote Notary in ND is simple. Follow the steps below.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Contract with a compliant RON technology provider.
- File a Notary Public Amendment through the Secretary of State’s FirstSop Portal indicating the name of the technology provider you will use.
In This Guide: North Dakota RON Requirements | About RON in North Dakota | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in North Dakota
Before you can register to perform online notarizations, you must first hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in the Peace Garden State. To qualify, a Notary must be at least 18 years old, a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S., be able to read and write in English, reside or be employed in North Dakota, or live in a county bordering the state that extends reciprocity to North Dakota Notaries.
Once you have a traditional Notary Public commission, log into the Secretary of State’s FirstStop Portal to file a Notary Public Amendment. You will need to provide the name of the remote notarization platform provider you will use.
Does North Dakota require training or an exam to become a remote Notary?
No training or exam is required to become a North Dakota remote Notary.
What tools and technology do I need to perform remote online notarizations?
ND remote Notaries are required to have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure connection to the internet. You'll also need to select a RON provider that complies with the legal requirements listed in NDCC ch. 44-06.1. While the Secretary of State cannot recommend technology vendors, they provide a list of companies that provide remote notarization solutions, including BlueNotary, LenderClose, NotaryCam, Pavaso, Proof, Secured Signing and SIGNiX.
Additionally, you’ll need an electronic seal, an electronic journal and a digital certificate containing your electronic signature.
Do I need another surety bond?
You do not need an additional surety bond to perform remote notarizations. The $7,500 surety bond required for your traditional Notary commission is all you need.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in North Dakota?
While it's not a requirement in the state, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies are strongly recommended for Notaries. An E&O policy provides added protection in the event you make a mistake on a notarized document.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in North Dakota
Learn when RONs became legal in the Peace Garden State and how they compare to traditional notarizations below.
Does North Dakota allow remote notarizations?
Yes. North Dakota became the first state to enact the remote notarization provisions of the 2018 amendments to the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA).
ND remote Notaries are authorized to perform RONs for signers in any location as long as the Notary is physically located in the state of North Dakota at the time of notarization.
How do remote notarizations work in North Dakota?
Remote online notarizations transform in-person notarizations into a completely remote, digital environment. The Notary confirms the signer’s identity by 1) personal knowledge, 2) satisfactory evidence of the signer’s identity by oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before the Notary, or 3) satisfactory evidence of the signer via two different types of identity proofing.
The Notary confirms the signer understands and is willing to sign. Then, the signer signs the document with an electronic signature. From there, the Notary checks the document, completes the notarial certificate, attaches their electronic seal and signature using a digital certificate.
Once the notarization is complete, the Notary completes a journal entry and saves an audio-visual recording of the session. In North Dakota, a remote Notary must retain the audiovisual recordings and electronic journal for at least 10 years.
Remote Notaries in North Dakota are also authorized to take acknowledgments on tangible documents for remotely located signers. This is the only remote notarial act permitted for paper documents.
What types of notarial acts can be performed online?
The following notarial acts can be performed remotely on electronic documents in North Dakota:
- 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 except as provided in subsection 7 of section 44-06.1-23
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
The following notarial act can be performed remotely on paper documents in North Dakota:
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
Remote notarizations take significantly less time than traditional notarizations since no travel time is required for RONs. From the moment the signer logs onto a RON platform to the Notary attaching a digital certificate, the process can take only a few minutes.
Additional RON FAQs
Below are answers to common questions regarding RONs in North Dakota.
How much does it cost to register as an ND online Notary?
Costs range from less than $100 to a few hundred dollars to become an online Notary in North Dakota. There is no additional registration fee to become a remote Notary. Instead, the costs will depend on the tools and technology required to perform RON services. For instance, you'll need to pay any sign-up fees associated with the RON technology provider and the cost of digital supplies like your electronic seal and digital certificate.
In addition, you'll also need to factor in the cost of a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access if you don't already have these items.
How much can virtual Notaries charge in North Dakota?
Notaries in North Dakota may charge up to $5 per notarial act. A remote Notary in North Dakota may charge an additional technology fee, provided the Notary and the person requesting the notarial act agree on the technology fee in advance, and the Notary explains that the technology fee is separate from the notarial act fee.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary?
It can take a few weeks to register as a North Dakota remote Notary. First, you must get your traditional commission. Although there is no training or exam required, allow several weeks for the Secretary of State to process your application. Once you've been commissioned, it should only take you 1 to 2 days to complete the rest of the steps for your online Notary authorization.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
Your remote Notary authorization will end when your traditional Notary Public commission expires. You'll need to renew your traditional commission before you can re-register to perform remote notarizations.
Will RON services grow my ND Notary business?
Yes, becoming a remote Notary and joining a RON platform can help your business grow. ND virtual Notaries have the convenience of offering their services to signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located in the state at the time of notarization.
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Last updated: Aug 29, 2025