ONLINE NOTARIZATIONS ARE LEGAL AND ACCEPTED IN ALL 50 STATES

By appointment only. Login to schedule an appointment

Facebook Instagram X-twitter Linkedin Medium Tiktok
Log In
Notarize now
Log In
Notarize now

24/7 Online Notary: Beat Deadlines Anywhere in the U.S.

Learn how 24/7 remote online notarization helps you notarize documents securely from anywhere in the U.S., what is required, where it is allowed, and

24/7 Online Notary: Beat Deadlines Anywhere in the U.S.

Remote online notarization (RON) lets you meet with a commissioned notary by secure audio-video to e-sign and e-notarize documents. Many states allow RON, but acceptance depends on document type and the recipient. Have your ID, device, and document ready; confirm that both the notary’s state and the receiving party will accept a RON-notarized record. Around-the-clock platforms can help in a pinch, subject to availability and state rules. See resources from NASS, FDIC (ESIGN/UETA), and NNA for details.

Last reviewed: 2025-08-19 | Jurisdiction: United States

What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization allows a commissioned notary to notarize your document over a secure audio-video connection. You appear virtually, verify your identity, and e-sign while the notary applies an electronic seal and digital certificate to a tamper-evident record. States that authorize RON typically require identity proofing, credential analysis, and an audio-video recording and electronic journal retained under state rules [3].

How 24/7 Access Helps You Meet Tight Deadlines

Time zones, travel, and last-minute requests can make in-person notarization difficult. Many RON platforms offer around-the-clock access to commissioned notaries, so you can often complete notarizations from home, the office, or while traveling—sometimes in minutes once your documents and ID are ready. Availability varies by platform, state requirements, and demand.

Where RON Is Allowed

A large majority of U.S. states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws or rules authorizing RON in some form, though details vary by jurisdiction [1]. Acceptance also depends on the document and the recipient. Some documents—such as certain real estate instruments, estate-planning documents, or court filings—may have special formatting, witnessing, or recording requirements. Before you proceed, confirm both: (1) the notary’s commissioning state permits RON for your document type, and (2) the receiving party (e.g., recorder’s office, court, lender, or agency) will accept an electronically notarized document completed via RON.

Note: Some states allow the signer to be physically located outside the notary’s state (or even outside the U.S.) during the RON session, while others impose limits. Always verify the commissioning state’s rules and any recipient restrictions.

Typical Requirements for an Online Notarization Session

  • A valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • A device with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
  • Identity proofing and credential analysis (often knowledge-based authentication and ID checks).
  • A clear, complete document in an acceptable file format (often PDF) with no required fields left blank.
  • Ability to e-sign; the notary applies an electronic seal and digital certificate.
  • Audio-video recording of the session and a digital audit trail retained per state recordkeeping rules [3].

Document Types Commonly Handled via RON

Frequent use cases include affidavits, powers of attorney, business forms, insurance and financial forms, certain real estate documents (subject to county recorder and lender acceptance), and school or travel consent forms. If witnesses are required, confirm whether they may appear remotely under your state’s law; some states allow remote witnessing, while others require in-person witnesses.

Interstate Recognition and ESIGN/UETA

Under widely adopted electronic signature laws—the federal ESIGN Act and state Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)—electronic signatures and records generally carry the same legal effect as paper and ink, subject to exceptions [2]. Common exceptions include certain wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, and some family-law matters, among others noted in ESIGN/UETA. Many states also recognize notarizations performed by out-of-state notaries if valid where performed, but recipients (e.g., recorders, courts, lenders, agencies) may impose their own format or delivery standards. Always check the governing law for your transaction and the recipient’s requirements.

Security and Validity Safeguards

Modern RON platforms typically use encryption, identity proofing, credential analysis, tamper-evident PDFs, and secure retention of the audiovisual recording and electronic journal. Notaries must follow their commissioning state’s rules on authentication, certificates, seals, and recordkeeping. Using a compliant platform and a properly commissioned notary helps ensure your notarization will stand up to scrutiny [3].

Practical Tips to Beat Your Deadline

  • Confirm acceptance: Ask the recipient if they accept RON for your document and whether any special formatting or delivery method is required.
  • Prepare ID and device: Test your camera, microphone, and connection ahead of time.
  • Use correct names and dates: Mismatches can delay acceptance.
  • Avoid blank fields: Many recipients reject documents with blanks.
  • Witnesses: If required, verify whether remote witnesses are permitted and arrange them in advance.
  • Time zones and availability: Schedule with a notary commissioned in a state that allows RON and aligns with your timetable; 24/7 availability depends on the platform and demand.
  • Backups: Save the tamper-evident, notarized PDF and any confirmation emails.

Pro Tip

If your recipient needs a paper original, ask whether they will accept a certified paper copy of the electronically notarized record, and confirm any courier or formatting requirements before you sign.

Quick Checklist

  • Verify the recipient accepts RON for your document.
  • Confirm the notary’s state permits RON for your use case.
  • Have a valid government ID ready.
  • Use a reliable device with camera, mic, and stable internet.
  • Complete all required fields; no blanks.
  • Arrange witnesses if needed (remote or in-person per state rules).
  • Download and securely store the notarized PDF and receipts.

When In-Person May Still Be Required

Some documents, recording offices, courts, or counterparties still require traditional ink-signed notarization. Examples can include certain wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, and specific real estate filings depending on local practice. ESIGN/UETA also include categories that may not be eligible for electronic records or signatures [2]. If you’re unsure, ask the recipient or consult counsel before you sign.

How Our Firm Can Help

We advise clients on whether RON is available for their documents, coordinate with compliant notaries and RON platforms, and help navigate recording or filing requirements so your documents are accepted the first time. If RON isn’t an option, we can arrange mobile or in-office notarization to meet your timeline. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

FAQs

Can I use RON if I’m outside the U.S.?

Often yes, if the notary’s commissioning state allows the signer to be outside the state or country and the recipient accepts it. Always confirm both before proceeding.

Will a county recorder accept an electronically notarized deed?

Many do, but acceptance varies by county and lender. Check with the recorder and any lender or title company in advance.

What if my ID fails automated checks?

You may be offered a manual review or asked to try again with better lighting or a different device. If it still fails, you may need in-person notarization.

Are wills and estate documents eligible for RON?

Some states restrict or prohibit electronic wills or require specific formalities. Confirm your state’s rules and the court’s acceptance.

How long is the recording kept?

Retention periods vary by state, commonly several years. The notary or platform typically maintains the audiovisual recording and electronic journal per state rules.

Is an e-notarized document legally the same as paper?

Under ESIGN and UETA, electronic records and signatures generally have the same legal effect as paper and ink, subject to exceptions and recipient requirements.

What does it cost?

Fees vary by state caps and platform. Expect a base notarization fee plus potential platform and identity-proofing charges.

Can I get a paper copy after RON?

Yes. Ask the recipient whether a printed copy of the e-notarized PDF is acceptable or whether they require a certified paper copy.

Do I need witnesses?

Only if the document requires them. Rules for remote witnessing differ by state; coordinate in advance.

What if the platform is down?

Try another compliant platform or schedule an in-person or mobile notary to meet your deadline.

References

Disclaimer (United States): This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and acceptance standards vary by state, document type, and recipient, and they change over time. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation before relying on RON for any transaction.

Share:

More Posts