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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Does my state allow remote notarizations?

By NNA Staff on March 1, 2023

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

What is the California law about Electronic Notarizations and RON? Does California law allow RON? — J. C., California

California Notaries are authorized under law to perform in-person electronic notarizations (IPEN) if all the requirements for traditional paper-based notarizations are met. Currently, California law does not authorize Notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON).

Notaries outside California can look up information for other state remote notarization rules at the NNA Knowledge Center's Remote Online Notarization Resources page. 

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.




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22 Comments

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Jason

02 Mar 2023

Hello. I’m a signing agent in NY and I’m looking to do Remote notarizations. I need a new computer and I wanted to know if there is software that I would need and what computer requirements are needed. Is the software compatible with Apple computers? I was looking to get an Apple laptop. Thanks.

National Notary Association

10 Mar 2023

Hello. Please see here for more information about remote notarizations in New York: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/new-york

tsp87780@gmail.com

05 Mar 2023

How do I obtain an application for RON in Illinois?

National Notary Association

06 Mar 2023

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

shirlplatom@aol.com

07 Mar 2023

Does the State of Maryland offer remote online notary?

National Notary Association

10 Mar 2023

Hello. Please see here for information on remote notarizations in Maryland: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/maryland

Cindy Baker

13 Mar 2023

How do I become a mobile notary in the State of Florida?

National Notary Association

15 Mar 2023

Hello. You can find information on becoming a Florida Notary here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/florida/how-to-become-florida-notary

armead55@hotmail.com

13 Mar 2023

Does the state of New Jersey allow remote notarizations?

National Notary Association

14 Mar 2023

Hello. Yes, 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

Kerry Gennace

29 Mar 2023

I sought and was approved to conduct RON. I utilizeng TEAMS and Facetime to observe signing. Recently I was sent the following email: "Please advise as to whether or not you wish to continue notarizing for the office. As a reminder, the office requires that notarizing be done in person." I responded "No." My employer is aware I am authorized to perform notarization remotely, but want to be able to summon notaries into the office (we work remotely) when a document needs notarization. My job description DOES NOT include being a notary public. Can an employee elect to ignore Remote Online Notarization (RON) authorization issued by the NJ Dept. of Treasury? Many thanks. Kerry Gennace, 3/29/2023

National Notary Association

03 Apr 2023

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.

randi

08 Apr 2023

im a notary in california how can i become a RON with other states?

National Notary Association

10 Apr 2023

Hello. You would need to qualify for and apply for a Notary commission in a state that authorizes remote online notarizations.

Linda Eckles

20 Sep 2023

In ordering a. Birth certificate today I was direct by the California State website to an ONLINE notary service @ ,$25.00....yet all sites on www. seem to say California does not allow online notaries!

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2023

Hello. We'd like to find out more about this situation. Can you please email our editorial team at publications@nationalnotary.org and provide more details, such as the URL for the CA website asking you to go to an online Notary?

Carolyn Loo

26 Sep 2023

I live in California and we are not allowed to do remote notarizations in our state. I noticed that Staples office supply offers remote notarizations and they don't have any caveats on their website about states that don't allow it. How do they get away with that?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2023

Hello. We would like to find out more information about this situation. Can you please contact our editorial team at publications@nationalnotary.org and provide more details about the business offering these services?

MMK

25 Oct 2023

Hi Can a notary licensed and located in Michigan do a RON for someone who is located and lives in California? Is it better to wait until January 2024 when I believe RON for notaries in California becomes legal with SB 696? Of course the notary would then have to be licensed and located in California.

National Notary Association

26 Oct 2023

Hello. MI remote Notaries may perform RON services for signers in any location — inside or outside of the state — as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located in Michigan at the time of notarization. Please see here for more details: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/michigan While California has passed a new remote notarization law, it is unlikely to take effect for several years, possibly not until 2030. Until the law takes effect, CA Notaries cannot perform remote notarizations. Please see this article for information on the new CA law and when it may take effect: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2023/10/new-california-remote-notarization-law-may-take-effect-in-2030-or-later

Jasmine Evans

11 Apr 2024

Hi, Is there an update to this article since the passing of SB 696 in California?

National Notary Association

12 Apr 2024

Hello. Please see this article for an update on remote notarization in California: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2023/10/new-california-remote-notarization-law-may-take-effect-in-2030-or-later

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