How to Become a Remote Online Notary (2026 State-by-State Guide)
Published January 17, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Remote online notarization has transformed the notary industry over the past few years, and the momentum is not slowing down. What started as an emergency measure during the pandemic has become a permanent fixture in how legal documents get signed and notarized. If you are a notary public, or thinking about becoming one, adding remote online notarization to your skillset opens up a whole new world of opportunity. You can serve clients anywhere, work from home, and often charge higher fees than traditional notarizations. Here is how to become a remote online notary.
Remote Online Notarization Defined
A remote online notary public (also called a RON or online notary) performs notarizations over the internet using audio-visual technology. Instead of meeting signers face-to-face, you connect through a secure platform that verifies the signer’s identity, records the session, and allows you to apply an electronic notarization to digital documents.
The key difference from traditional notarization is that everything happens digitally. The signer uploads their document, you verify their identity through knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis, you watch them sign on screen, and you attach your electronic seal and signature. The entire session is recorded and stored for future reference.
States That Allow RON
As of 2026, 43 states fully allow remote online notarization, with 6 states not permitting it and 1 state with limited availability. This list continues to change as more states pass legislation, so check your state’s current statutes before proceeding. The table below breaks down the current status and maximum fees allowed in each state.
RON Status by State
| State | RON Status | Max RON Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | NOT permitted | — |
| Alaska | Available | No set fee |
| Arizona | Available | $10 |
| Arkansas | Available | No set fee |
| California | Law passed (SB 696), not yet implemented, est. 2030 | — |
| Colorado | Available | $25 |
| Connecticut | Limited (paper documents only) | $5 |
| Delaware | Available | No set fee |
| Florida | Available | $25 |
| Georgia | NOT permitted | — |
| Hawaii | Available | No set fee |
| Idaho | Available | $5 |
| Illinois | Available | No set fee |
| Indiana | Available | No set fee |
| Iowa | Available | No set fee |
| Kansas | Available | No set fee |
| Kentucky | Available | No set fee |
| Louisiana | Available | No set fee |
| Maine | Available | No set fee |
| Maryland | Available | No set fee |
| Massachusetts | Law passed, not yet implemented | — |
| Michigan | Available | No set fee |
| Minnesota | Available | No set fee |
| Mississippi | NOT permitted | — |
| Missouri | Available | No set fee |
| Montana | Available | No set fee |
| Nebraska | Available | No set fee |
| Nevada | Available | No set fee |
| New Hampshire | Available | No set fee |
| New Jersey | Available | No set fee |
| New Mexico | Available | No set fee |
| New York | Available | No set fee |
| North Carolina | Available | $25 |
| North Dakota | Available | No set fee |
| Ohio | Available | No set fee |
| Oklahoma | Available | No set fee |
| Oregon | Available | No set fee |
| Pennsylvania | Available | $20 |
| Rhode Island | Available | No set fee |
| South Carolina | NOT permitted | — |
| South Dakota | Available | No set fee |
| Tennessee | Available | $10 |
| Texas | Available | $25 + regular fee |
| Utah | Available | No set fee |
| Vermont | Available (under emergency rules) | No set fee |
| Virginia | Available | $25 |
| Washington | Available | No set fee |
| West Virginia | Available | No set fee |
| Wisconsin | Available | No set fee |
| Wyoming | Available | No set fee |
Become a remote online notary public
Step 1: Hold a current notary commission
Before you can perform remote online notarizations, you need an active traditional notary commission in your state. Most states require you to be commissioned first, then apply for an online notary authorization separately. If you are not yet a notary, start with your state’s standard application process.
Step 2: Complete RON training and pass an exam
Many states require specific training on remote online notarization laws, procedures, and technology before you can add the RON designation. This training typically covers identity verification methods, record-keeping requirements, and how to use approved platforms. Some states also require you to pass an exam after completing the course.
Step 3: Get your digital certificate and electronic seal
You will need a digital certificate from a state-approved certificate authority to apply your electronic signature and seal to documents. This is different from your physical notary seal . it is a cryptographic credential that verifies the authenticity of your electronic notarization. Your RON platform can usually guide you through this process.
Step 4: Register with an approved RON platform
Most states require you to use an approved technology provider that meets their security and recording standards. You’ll create an account, upload your credentials, and complete any platform-specific onboarding. Once set up, you can start accepting remote notarization requests and performing sessions through the platform.
Costs to Get Started with RON
The costs vary by state, but here is a realistic breakdown. Your digital certificate typically runs between $50 and $100, and this is usually a recurring annual cost. RON platform subscriptions range from $10 to $50 per month depending on the provider and features you need. Popular platforms include DocVerify, Notarize, Pavaso, and SafeDocs, each with different pricing structures and state approvals.
On top of those expenses, many states charge an additional application or registration fee to add the online notary designation to your existing commission. This might be a one-time fee or something you pay when you renew. Some states also require you to purchase a specific type of errors and omissions insurance that covers electronic notarizations. Budget around $200 to $400 for your first year of setup, with lower ongoing costs after that.
Online Notary Earnings
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a remote online notary is around $49,000, but that number comes with caveats. Your income depends heavily on how you structure your business, whether you work full-time or part-time, and what types of documents you notarize. Some online notaries earn well above that average by specializing in loan signings or real estate transactions.
The real advantage of RON is that you are no longer limited to your local area. As a signing agent working remotely, you can serve clients across the country, not just in your own state. That dramatically expands your potential client base compared to traditional notary work. Many notaries combine in-person appointments during the day with online notarizations in the evenings to maximize their earning potential.
Expand your current notary public commission to the entire country
One of the most powerful aspects of remote online notarization is that your notary commission effectively goes national. When you notarize a document online, the notarization is governed by the law of the state where you are commissioned, not where the signer is located. That means a notary commissioned in Virginia can perform online notarizations for signers in Texas, New York, or any other state that recognizes out-of-state RON.
This changes the math on your notary business entirely. Instead of competing with hundreds of local notaries in your county, you can market your services to title companies, law firms, and individuals across the country. Many states have adopted the Uniform Law Commission’s Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), which explicitly recognizes out-of-state online notarizations. For notaries willing to learn the technology and build a remote client base, the growth potential is significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states allow remote online notarization?
As of 2026, 43 states fully allow remote online notarization. Six states (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and others) do not currently permit RON. California and Massachusetts have passed laws but have not yet implemented them. Vermont operates under emergency rules. Check the table above for your specific state’s status and fee structure.
How much does it cost to become a remote online notary?
Expect to spend around $200 to $400 in your first year. This includes your digital certificate ($50–100), RON platform subscription ($10–50/month), state registration fees, and any required training. Ongoing annual costs are typically lower since you’ve already covered the initial setup.
Can I notarize documents for someone in another state?
Yes, with some conditions. You notarize under the laws of the state where you hold your commission, not where the signer is located. Most states that allow RON also recognize out-of-state online notarizations, but it is always a good idea to confirm that the receiving party will accept a notarization from your commissioning state.
What technology do I need to perform remote online notarization?
You will need a reliable internet connection, a computer with a webcam and microphone, and an account with a state-approved RON platform. The platform handles the identity verification, session recording, and document sealing. You do not need to buy separate software for those functions. Most platforms work in a standard web browser, so no special hardware is required beyond what you would use for a video call.
Is remote online notarization legal in California?
Not yet. California passed SB 696 to authorize remote online notarization, but the law has not been implemented. Current estimates suggest RON could be available in California around 2030, though that timeline could change depending on how quickly the state develops its implementation framework. For now, California notaries cannot perform online notarizations.
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