Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

3 ways remote online notarization benefits Notaries

Benefits remote online notarization brings to Notaries

Updated 9-4-24. Many Notaries are cautious about remote online notarization (RON) because it’s strange and unfamiliar — but you may not know RON is bringing some surprising benefits to Notaries as well. We asked remote online Notaries how RON helped their business, and here are 3 examples:

1. RON helps Notaries work more efficiently and reduces expenses.

One benefit is that RON eliminates many time-consuming and costly requirements for traditional mobile Notary and NSA assignments, such as travel time, fuel purchases, and having to print documents for loan signing assignments.

Removing the need for Notaries to drive to appointments saves time and allows them to schedule more assignments per day, which in turn means more income, said Tracee Jordan, a remote online Notary in Houston, Texas.

“I’m in the fourth largest city in the U.S. Being able to service more customers and being able to stay at home and earn more income is the biggest benefit for me,” Jordan said. “I can see more clients remotely in a day than I could in person.”

2. RON is more convenient for Notaries and customers.

Jordan said that RON is much more convenient for her and for customers, because all participants can now schedule and complete notarizations without needing to leave their homes.

“(At one point) I’ve performed 105 notarizations in 3 ½ months, all of them RON,” Jordan said. “Some of my older customers were apprehensive about the technology at first, but they’ve told me that RON turned out to be a lot easier for them than they anticipated.”

3. RON is contactless.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people worried about catching the disease from in-person meetings — including notarizations. Because remote online notarizations allow signers and Notaries to communicate remotely without physical proximity, RON eliminates any risk of the virus spreading during a notarization appointment. Herb Guinup, a Notary in Tampa, Florida, said requests for his RON services increased dramatically after COVID-19 started.

During the pandemic, RON enabled Guinup to perform urgently needed notarizations safely for signers with high-risk health issues. For example, he was contacted by signers in nursing homes who need insurance or Medicaid documents notarized. Bringing a Notary into the facility to physically notarize carried a risk of COVID-19 exposure, but thanks to RON, Guinup was able to notarize for these customers without any danger of spreading illness.

While the pandemic is over, there still are circumstances where signers of documents may be too ill to appear physically before a Notary or for a Notary to come to them. RON is a great alternative that provides a contactless experience that keeps everyone safe when time cannot wait for an important document to be notarized.

David Thun is the Editorial Manager at the National Notary Association.


Related Articles:

Remote Notarization: What you need to know


Additional Resources:

How to become a Remote Online Notary

NNA Remote Online Notary Resources

Remote notarization vs. traditional notarization (Infographic)

99 Comments

Add your comment

Chris Parreira

03 Aug 2020

With RON, how do you obtain a thumbprint and a signature in your journal?

National Notary Association

03 Aug 2020

Hello, Chris. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Chris Parreira

03 Aug 2020

I am a California Notary

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2020

Thank you, Chris. California does not authorize its Notaries to perform RONs at this time. There are different requirements for RON journal entries and recordkeeping for other states depending on individual state law. However, this video and article provide a general overview of how a RON notarization is performed (https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/12/how-to-perform-a-remote-online-notarization) and this article provides information on RON audiovisual recording procedures for notarizations ( https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/06/tips-recordings-remote-notarizations). You can also visit our RON resources page at www.nationalnotary.org/RON for more information. We hope this information is helpful to you.

Llona Murphy

03 Aug 2020

A notary still goes to the signers for about four docs that has to be signed in front of the notary, the online notary should be putting the signers under oath, the signers tells me that they weren't put under oath.

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Connie Tholen

03 Aug 2020

Does Oregon have RON

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2020

Hello. Oregon has temporarily authorized remote notarization rules. For details, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization#NThroughR

sixto sanchez

03 Aug 2020

is RON valid in California?

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2020

Hello. California Notaries are not authorized to perform RONs by the state.

Jetzabel Gonzalez

04 Aug 2020

Is RON available in Oklahoma

National Notary Association

05 Aug 2020

Hello. Yes, more information is available here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/oklahoma

Jim

04 Aug 2020

How's the demand for RON in Vegas market? I noticed that majority, if not all, are still doing the traditional notarization.

Rochelle Yannone

05 Aug 2020

Hello-Does Pennsylvania require remote online notaries to obtain a digital certificate?

National Notary Association

05 Aug 2020

Hello. Under Pennsylvania's emergency remote notarization rules, PA Notaries must submit an application to perform remote notarizations and select a RON vendor from an approved list. Application instructions can be found here: https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Documents/Update/Steps%20to%20Becoming%20an%20Electronic%20Remote%20Notary%20Public%20revised%204-20-2020.pdf and a list of approved vendors can be found here: https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Documents/Update/E-Notary%20and%20RON%20Vendor%20List%207.15.20.pdf

Jody Bode

06 Aug 2020

Stop trying to sell us on this...we all know NNA has been lobbying for RON so they can have a nice, big slice of the pie, as usual. 105 notarizations in 3 1/2 months @ $85 each! Not a very in demand notary, I see. Average of 1 signing every week day is extremely low. With RON you should be able to do 10 a day easy, if I am able to do 5 a day now. The story line doesn’t add up.

Amanda

06 Aug 2020

Does the NNA offer RON training?

National Notary Association

07 Aug 2020

Hello, Amanda. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Stacey

07 Aug 2020

Can you tell me if Iowa has RON

National Notary Association

07 Aug 2020

Hello. Yes, IA Senate File 475, which took effect July 1, authorizes Iowa Notaries to perform remote online notarizations. Please see the following link for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/news/law-updates/ia-senate-file-475

Michael A.

25 Oct 2020

Hello, Does Virginia allow RON?

National Notary Association

26 Oct 2020

Hello. Virginia authorizes qualified Notaries to perform RON. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/virginia

William T Bryant

05 Nov 2020

I am in Washington state just received my electronic endorsement, I was surprised to find out they don't require a certificate

Lisa Liang

13 Nov 2020

Hi, I am a California Notary. Please let me know the updates for RON in the state of California. Thanks. Lisa Liang Nov 2020

National Notary Association

17 Nov 2020

Hello. California does not authorize its Notaries to perform remote online notarizations.

Coley205@hotmail.com

24 Apr 2021

Good Morning, is there RON training and classes? I live in New Jersey and would really like to make this my full-time job?

National Notary Association

26 Apr 2021

Hello. At this time, New Jersey only has temporary emergency remote notarization provisions in place for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization#NewJersey

Kelli M Riley

03 Jun 2021

Ok is Arizona a RON qualfied state? Where is there a list of the states that are qualified?

National Notary Association

07 Jun 2021

Hello. Yes, as of April 10, 2020, Arizona Notaries may register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). You can find additional information here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/arizona For a list of other states that have authorized RON, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary

Annie Mae Williams

30 Jul 2021

Can Texas notaries perform remote online notarizations?

National Notary Association

05 Aug 2021

Hello. Yes, Texas Notaries who qualify can apply to perform remote online notarizations. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/texas

Tara

14 Aug 2021

Hi, Can a Georgia NSA perform RON's?

National Notary Association

16 Aug 2021

Hello. Please see this page for more information on Georgia: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/states-that-allow-temporary-remote-online-notarization

priscillacrain27@yahoo.com

31 Aug 2021

How much can you make per signing on Ron in Washington?

National Notary Association

01 Sep 2021

Hello. A Notary in Washington state may charge a maximum fee of twenty-five dollars to perform a remote notarial act (WAC 308-30-220[6]).

bperry625@gmail.com

22 Sep 2021

If I obtain a non-resident notary, do I have to physically be in that state to perform the RON? I'm based in Illinois.

National Notary Association

23 Sep 2021

Hello. Under Illinois' temporary emergency remote notarization rules, you must be physically located within Illinois when performing a remote notarization. Please note that new permanent remote notarization statutes will take effect January 1, 2022 in Illinois. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization#Illinois

heinsingernotarypublic@gmail.com

30 Sep 2021

What is the max allowed to charge for a RON in Florida?

National Notary Association

01 Oct 2021

Hello. “An online notary public or the employer of such online notary public may charge a fee, not to exceed $25, for performing an online notarization under this part. Fees for services other than notarial acts are not governed by this section” (FS 117.275).

Ronnette Williams-Starling

15 Dec 2021

Is RON available in Michigan

National Notary Association

17 Dec 2021

Hello. Michigan Notaries may register to perform remote online notarizations. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/michigan

Rose

05 Jan 2022

Do you know which platforms are available for NJ notaries who are RON approved?

National Notary Association

05 Jan 2022

Hello. Please see this page for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/new-jersey

Ricardo

09 Jan 2022

Hi, ,Guinea stated that he estimates he typically performed 6 traditional notarizations per day, earning around $85 per assignment as a traditional mobile agent. Thanks to RON, he says he can now comfortably complete twice that number of assignments each daily with no additional hardship." But how? Is he saying getting double the work for the same earning potential at $85 a signing? I thought you earn much less the that per client.

angiemhayes@yahoo.com

15 Jan 2022

How do we obtain the digital jury and acknowledgement forms required by some platforms for Texas?

National Notary Association

20 Jan 2022

Hello. Please see here for information about performing remote notarizations in Texas: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/texas

Onetha Belgrave

11 Feb 2022

GM, I live in Florida. How do I sign up for various platforms? What are the charging rates to perform a notarial act?

National Notary Association

11 Feb 2022

Hello. Please see this page for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/florida

Yolanda Martinez

18 Feb 2022

Is California likely to get approved any time soon for RON.

National Notary Association

18 Feb 2022

Hello. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2022/01/remote-notarization-in-ca-nna-update

Abigail Bolster

31 Mar 2022

Where is the RON application for Illinois?

National Notary Association

19 Apr 2022

Hello. You can find instructions to become a Remote Notary in Illinois here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/illinois

Valanda German

22 Apr 2022

Is RON legal in California as of April 2022?

National Notary Association

25 Apr 2022

Hello. California Notaries are not authorized to perform RONs at this time.

Faye

14 May 2022

Are there RON in Georgia

National Notary Association

18 May 2022

Hello. Georgia's temporary remote notarization guidelines expired April 15, 2022.

gjtnotarysigningagent@gmail.com

28 May 2022

I'm a NSA - Where do to I sign up for RON in Ohio? I need to take 2 courses and take an Exam.

National Notary Association

01 Jun 2022

Hello. Please see this page for information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/ohio

Chris in Virginia

08 Aug 2022

I'm a new RON here in Virginia. I'm just curious how do you know which platform to use? There's so many and they all charge money. How are all the other RONs around the state/country doing it financially? And by being on a particular platform, do they do the marketing and bring you clients or are you still required to do your own marketing to bring in business? Thank you

National Notary Association

10 Aug 2022

Hello. Virginia's electronic notarization rules state the following: “The Secretary of the Commonwealth will not render an opinion or determination as to whether a particular electronic notarization system or technology used by a notary is in compliance with this Standard or the Code of Virginia. Responsibility for compliance is solely on the electronic notary” (VENAS 1.1[c]). For more information on selecting a remote notarization technology provider, please see this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/08/four-questions-when-choosing-ron-vendor

Carol Graves

09 Aug 2022

Since NNA has been promoting RON I have never seen anything explaining the liability for Notaries doing this. Online does seem to create more of a potential for fraud. If you are performing a loan signing there is no E&O or liability coverage for this that I have seen.

National Notary Association

29 Aug 2022

Hi Carol. Thank you for your question. More information on how to prevent fraud as a Remote Online Notary can be found here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/09/how-to-prevent-fraud-as-a-remote-online-notary.

Ken

29 Aug 2022

RON is bad for loan signing agents. Much of our business comes from title companies when the signer is not able to make it into the office to sign their documents, due to disabilities, transportation, time constraints or other issues. This will reduce business for the NSA. And while RON will make expenses lower for the notary, our fees will be greatly reduced!!

Lisa Marie Fitzgerald

15 Nov 2022

How do you determine your schedule when working as a RON? I’m in Florida. I’m also a court reporter. Can you make your own schedule?

National Notary Association

17 Nov 2022

Hello. It depends. If you wish to work as an independent Notary offering remote services, you may set your own hours. If you wish to work for a RON technology provider that also provides you with assignments, they may wish you to be available during specific days and times.

Sharon Bolte

16 Nov 2022

Hi Ken. My understanding of fee structure for a RON is that you can charge $25 per notarization. If you're doing a signing for a purchase of property, there can be 10 signings in that package alone. $250 total. If I did not interpret this correctly (info provided by an NNA Bulletin) please advise. Thank you for your time.

National Notary Association

01 Dec 2022

Hello. Please be aware that the maximum amount a Notary may charge for a remote online notarization can vary depending on state law. For more information on individual state fees, you can select an individual state from the drop-down menu under "State RON Instructions" here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary

Shaundra Brown

10 Jan 2023

I am trying to get into the online notary business I want to understand how do notaries make money doing online notarization, if we pay the RON and cannot charge any more than $25?

National Notary Association

11 Jan 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Shaundra Brown

19 Jan 2023

I am a notary in Houston TX

National Notary Association

24 Jan 2023

According to the TX Secretary of State website, online Notaries may charge up to $25 per notarization on top of the regular Notary charges. For example, a remote Notary can charge a total of $31 to notarize the signature of a single signer, which breaks down to $25 for the online notarization and $6 for the regular Notary fee of notarizing a signature.

Toni smith

20 Mar 2023

Is Ron allowed in the state of GA?

National Notary Association

14 Apr 2023

The state of Georgia has not enacted permanent statutory provisions or published rules explicitly authorizing Notaries Public to perform remote notarial acts.

monymora3@yahoo.com

19 Apr 2023

Will RON ever become available in California?

National Notary Association

19 Apr 2023

Hello. While California Notaries are not authorized to perform RON at this time, we will update our readers in the Bulletin if this changes.

Ashley Wheeler

16 May 2023

How much can we charge for RON in North Carolina or Virginia?

National Notary Association

05 Jun 2023

In Virginia, for notarizing electronic documents, the maximum fee allowed is $25 (COV 47.1-19[B]). The Virginia Notary may charge a fee less than the permitted maximum for performing a notarial act, or may charge no fee at all. The state of North Carolina has not yet enacted permanent statutes or published rules authorizing Notaries Public to perform remote notarizations.

Laura Adkins

05 Jun 2023

Is RON valid on SC? I have searched and it appears as through it has been adopted but I am trying to confirm the process.

National Notary Association

30 Jun 2023

Hello. The state of South Carolina has not yet enacted permanent statutes or published rules authorizing Notaries Public to perform remote notarizations.

azparksb@gmail.com

06 Jun 2023

Who owns the notaries online signature and stamp? Companies that offer to electronically hold your seal and signature are expensive. This costs so much that it is not worth it to do RONS in AZ at this time.

Catherine S

30 Jun 2023

Hello what are the requirements for the state of new york Thank you

National Notary Association

10 Jul 2023

Hello. Remote notarization information for New York can be found here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/new-york

Nancy Batterton

27 Jul 2023

I am very interested in becoming qualified to do signing

Lily K

07 Aug 2023

Hello. I am commissioned in MA, freelance. Does MA allow RON? Blue NSA stated we can charge $100 per hours, is this true for RON in MA? If not, what is the maximum fee we are allowed to charge for RON and other legal documents that requires notary?

National Notary Association

02 Oct 2023

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has not yet enacted permanent statues or published rules authorizing Notaries Public to perform remote notarizations. However, the fee should be reasonable and not be excessive. It should also be noted that no fee may charged for election or voting materials that have to be notarized.

Alicia Howard

24 Sep 2023

Hi I am a notary and notary signing agent in MS. Can you tell me if MS is allowing RON and if so how much can you charge per signing

National Notary Association

13 Nov 2023

The state of Mississippi has not yet enacted permanent statutes or published rules authorizing Notaries Public to perform remote notarizations.

215studiob@gmail.com

20 Oct 2023

I am a notary in Delaware. Once notaries become RON Notary the customers needing notary services can reside anywhere and its legal to notarize their document?

National Notary Association

29 Jan 2024

Remote Notaries in Delaware can notarize for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state at the time of notarization.

deangelon32@gmail.com

01 Jul 2024

What is the maximum that I can charge for RON in Missouri?

National Notary Association

01 Jul 2024

Hello. In Missouri, a remote notarization fee is considered separate from standard Notary fees and must be agreed upon in advance between the Notary and signer: "...a remote online notary may charge a remote online notary transaction fee if the notary and the principal agree upon the fee in advance of the notarial act being performed and the notary explains to the person requesting the notarial act that the remote online transaction fee is separate from the notarial fee prescribed in subsection 2 of [RSMo] section 486.960 and is not mandated by law” (RSMo 486.1160).

LINDEN1122@YAHOO.COM

26 Aug 2024

Is RON allow in TX?

National Notary Association

27 Aug 2024

Hello, yes. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/texas

micheledean01@gmail.com

04 Sep 2024

How do I become an RON in Massachusetts?

National Notary Association

06 Sep 2024

Hello. While Massachusetts has passed laws allowing remote online notarization, the state has not yet implemented the training and registration procedures for Notaries to perform RONs yet. Please see the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website for more information here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/remote-online.htm

micheledean01@gmail.com

04 Sep 2024

I am a Notary in Massachusetts and I would like to know how I can become a Remote Online Notary

National Notary Association

06 Sep 2024

Hello. While Massachusetts has passed laws allowing remote online notarization, the state has not yet implemented the training and registration procedures for Notaries to perform RONs yet. Please see the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website for more information here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/remote-online.htm

BBconsulting123@gmail.com

05 Oct 2024

Is there state specific info on how to become a RON? I would like to know what the process would be to legally be able to do RON in New Jersey.

National Notary Association

07 Oct 2024

Hello. Yes, you can find information about the application process and how to perform RONs in New Jersey here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/new-jersey

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close