As of August 1, 2019, North Dakota Notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Becoming a remote Notary in ND is simple. Follow the steps below.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Contract with a RON technology provider.
- Email sosaccnot@nd.gov to notify the Secretary of State that you will perform remote notarizations and provide the name of the RON provider you intend to 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 meet the state's requirement of holding an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in the Peace Garden State. Notaries must be at least 18 years old, a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S., a resident, employee or live in a border county that extends reciprocity to Notaries, and able to read and write English.
Once you have a traditional commission, you can email sosaccnot@nd.gov to tell the Secretary of State that you will be performing remote notarizations. Alternatively, you may mail a letter to 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck ND 58505-0500, or fax it to (701) 328-0107.
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. Next, you'll need to select a RON provider. While the Secretary of State cannot recommend vendors, they do have a list that includes DocuSign, DocVerify, LenderClose, Nexsys, Notarize, NotaryCam, Pavaso, Safedocs and SIGNiX, all of which are end-to-end remote notarization solutions.
In addition, you'll need to get an electronic seal, electronic journal and a digital certificate containing your electronic signature. These must be compliant with the RON platform you intend to use.
Do I need another surety bond?
You do not need a surety bond on top of the $7,500 surety bond already required for your traditional commission.
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. They protect you in cases where you might 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, House Bill 1110 took effect August 1, 2019, allowing North Dakota Notaries to register for their remote authorization. ND remote Notaries can perform RONs for signers in any location as long as they're physically located within the state boundary at the time of notarization.
How do remote notarizations work in North Dakota?
Remote 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 an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
Once the notarization is complete, the Notary completes a journal entry and saves an audio-visual recording of the session.
What types of notarial acts can be performed online?
The following notarial acts can be performed remotely 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
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
Remote notarizations take significantly far less time than traditional notarizations. This can be simply attributed to the fact that no traveling 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?
It costs under $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.
You'll need to add in the cost to maintain your surety bond and recommended E&O insurance policy. 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 not charge more than $5 per notarial act.
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 register for remote authorization again.
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.
If you want to expand your Notary business even more, consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). An NSA certification informs RON platforms you've passed a current background screening, making you eligible to receive more assignments.