How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Utah

As of November 1, 2019, Utah allows remote online notarizations in the state. Follow these steps to become a remote online Notary in UT:

1. Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
2. Increase your surety bond coverage to $10,000.
3. Select a state-approved RON technology vendor.
4. Get your digital supplies, including an electronic seal and signature.
5. Access your Utah.gov account to complete the remote Notary certification form.
6. Email your application, proof of your bond coverage, and a copy of your electronic seal and signature to notary@utah.gov.
7. Pass a criminal background check if you became a Notary or renewed your commission before November 1, 2019.
8. Receive confirmation that your application was approved. Or receive confirmation that your background check was submitted.
9. Call the Office of the Lt. Governor to pay your $50 application fee.
10. Receive an email confirming you are an active remote Notary.

In This Guide: Utah RON Requirements | About RON in Utah | Additional FAQs

Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Utah

Before you apply to become a remote Notary in Utah, you must first have an existing commission as a traditional Notary in the Beehive State. Traditional Notaries must be at least 18 years old; be a legal resident of the U.S. or have permanent resident status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act; have resided in UT for 30 days before filing the application to become a Notary and maintain permanent residence after; and be able to read, write and understand English.

Once you're commissioned as a traditional Notary, you can log into your account on the Lt. Governor's office's website to get the application for remote Notary certification.

As of November 1, 2019, all Notaries must submit to a background check. If you earned your traditional commission before then, the Lt. Governor's office will send you a link to get a background check after you submit your remote online Notary application. Once you've submitted the background check, call the Office of the Lt. Governor at (801) 538-1041 to pay the $50 fee by debit or credit card. If you have a current background screening on file with the state, you can call the Lt. Governor's Office to pay the fee when your application has been approved.

Does Utah require training or an exam to work as an online Notary?

Utah does not require additional training or an exam to become a remote online Notary. However, you must pass the state's online exam to get your traditional Notary commission. Additionally, the RON vendor you choose to work with as an online Notary may have its own required training to ensure you are able to use their technology.

What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations in Utah?

You'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection to perform online notarizations. Your computer should support two-way audio and visual communication. Also, you'll need to choose a state-approved remote notarization vendor. Currently, these companies are approved by the Office of the Lt. Governor: DocVerify, eNotaryLog, Nexsys, NotaryCam, Notarize, Pavaso, SIGNiX and Simply Secure Sign.

You also need to get an electronic seal and a digital certificate that contains your electronic signature. Although Utah does not require traditional Notaries to keep a journal, remote Notaries in the state must keep an electronic journal documenting each online notarization performed. You can get a journal from your RON provider or another digital supplies vendor.

Do I need a surety bond?

Yes, remote Notaries are required to have $10,000 in bond coverage. You may either have two separate bonds that total $10,000 or increase the coverage of your initial $5,000 bond from your traditional commission. Contact your bond provider to determine if you can get an adjustment, or rider, to your current bond, or if you'll need to get an additional $5,000 bond.

Is an E&O insurance policy required for Utah?

An errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required, but it would protect you as a Notary Public. Mistakes happen, and an insurance policy can cover any errors or omissions that might occur during notarizations.

About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Utah

Learn how remote online notarizations work in the state and which notarial acts can be performed virtually.

Does Utah allow remote notarization?

Yes, Utah's House Bill 52 allows remote online notarization effective November 1, 2019.

How do remote online notarizations work in Utah?

During remote online notarizations, the Notary meets with the signer using audio-video communications technology. This replaces the in-person appearance requirement. Digital documents are used instead of paper ones, and all signatures are electronic as well.

First, the signer logs onto the RON platform and proves their identity by answering knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions. Next, they submit their credential document so the system can analyze it for fraud. After this, they meet the Notary over video conference.

The Notary checks the signer's identification over the camera as an additional layer of security. From there, the notarization proceeds similarly to an in-person assignment. The Notary determines whether the signer is aware of what they're signing and is willingly doing so. The Notary then checks the document for blanks. The signer applies their electronic signature to the document. Then, the Notary fills out the notarial certificate wording, and attaches their electronic seal and a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.

Lastly, the Notary saves an audio-visual recording of the notarization and makes an electronic journal entry.

As a remote Notary, you may only perform notarizations within the state of Utah. However, signers can be located anywhere.

What notarial acts can be performed virtually in Utah?

You're allowed to perform the following notarizations virtually:

• Performing a jurat
• Taking an acknowledgment
• Witnessing a signature
• Certifying a copy
• Taking a verification on an oath or affirmation

How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?

Remote notarizations take less time than traditional notarizations because they don’t require the signer or the Notary to meet in person. Depending on the technology company you choose, you may be able to receive and complete a notarization request within a few minutes.

Additional RON FAQs

Below are answers to common questions regarding RONs in Utah.

How much does it cost to register as a remote Notary?

The cost of becoming a remote Notary in Utah ranges from over $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on different factors. There's a $50 fee to apply for remote authorization. If you're not yet a traditional Notary, you must also pay the $95 test and administration fees. The cost of your initial bond and seal stamp will vary, depending on the vendor you choose.

When you contract with a RON technology provider, your company will likely charge a sign-up fee. Your digital supplies will also vary in cost.

If you don't have a computer, webcam, microphone or secure internet access, you should factor these into your expenses. Also, consider what it will cost to maintain an E&O insurance policy if you decide to get one.

How much can UT remote Notaries charge for their services?

Notaries in Utah can charge a maximum fee of $25 for each remote online notarization.

Will RON services grow my UT Notary business?

Becoming a remote Notary and joining a RON platform can help your business grow. Your customer base is no longer limited to in-person notarizations when you're an online Notary. You can also notarize for people not physically located in the state.

You may also consider becoming a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Getting your NSA certification can make you eligible to receive more RON assignments and ensures RON service providers that you've passed a current background screening.