Secure Online Notary for Real Estate and Wills in the United States

Last reviewed: 2025-08-19 (United States)

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization allows a commissioned notary to notarize documents using approved audio-video communication technology, identity proofing, and electronic signatures. The notary and signer do not need to be in the same physical location. In most states, the notary must be physically located in the state where they are commissioned at the time of the notarization, even if the signer is elsewhere (see NASS RON Resources).

Is Online Notarization Legal in the U.S.?

Nearly all states have authorized some form of RON through permanent statutes or administrative rules, but the details differ. States vary on approved platforms, identity proofing methods, audiovisual recording retention, notarial certificate language, and recordkeeping. Many states also recognize properly performed out-of-state RON acts that comply with the commissioning state’s law, though acceptance ultimately depends on the receiving jurisdiction’s specific rules (see NASS).

Using RON for Real Estate Documents

RON can be used for many real estate documents—including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, affidavits, and closing packages—subject to state law and county recording requirements. Some recorders and title underwriters require particular technical and formatting standards (for example, eNotary seals, tamper-evident PDFs, and MISMO-compliant platforms). Before scheduling a RON closing, confirm:

• the notary’s commissioning state permits RON for the specific document type;
• the county recorder where the property is located will accept an electronically notarized instrument; and
• your lender and title company approve RON for the transaction.

For standards and industry guidance, see MISMO eClosing Standards and PRIA eRecording resources.

Wills and Estate Planning: Special Considerations

RON is commonly accepted for some estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and advance directives, subject to state-specific limitations. Wills are more nuanced: some states allow electronic wills and remote witnessing, while others require traditional in-person execution or impose additional steps for self-proving affidavits. Because will-execution formalities are strictly enforced, verify your state’s rules before relying on a remote ceremony, and consider conducting remote notarization together with state-compliant remote witnessing if permitted (see the Uniform Law Commission’s Electronic Wills Act and NASS).

Security and Identity Verification

Compliant RON platforms use multi-factor identity proofing (e.g., credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication), continuous audiovisual recording, and tamper-evident digital certificates. Notaries must maintain electronic journals and securely store recordings for a period set by their commissioning state. Choose a platform that is approved or authorized in the notary’s state and confirm encryption, audit logs, and document integrity controls (see NASS).

Interstate Recognition and Recording

A RON completed in accordance with the commissioning state’s laws is often recognized by other states. For real property filings, acceptance by the recording office is essential; many jurisdictions accept properly executed electronic records, while some require specific formatting, cover pages, or workflows. Coordinate in advance with the recorder and your title company to avoid delays (see PRIA).

How a Law Firm Can Help

We assess whether RON is appropriate for your matter, coordinate with notaries, witnesses, lenders, and title companies, and ensure documents meet execution and recording standards. For wills, we tailor the signing ceremony to your state’s requirements and advise on self-proving options and safe storage. We also provide checklists and post-closing support to confirm acceptance.

Practical Tips Before You Schedule a RON Session

• Confirm the notary’s commission and RON authorization in their state.
• Verify that your specific document type is eligible for RON in that state.
• Check lender, title, and county recorder acceptance for real estate instruments.
• For wills, confirm your state’s rules for remote witnessing and self-proving affidavits.
• Test your device, webcam, microphone, and internet connection; have government ID ready.
• Ensure all signers and witnesses are located where permitted by applicable law.
• Receive and securely store the final, tamper-evident notarized document.

When RON May Not Be the Best Fit

If your jurisdiction limits RON for certain instruments, requires in-person witnessing, or if a counterparty will not accept e-notarized documents, an in-person notarization or hybrid signing may be preferable. International signers may face additional hurdles where foreign recognition of RON is uncertain.

FAQ

Can I sign from a different state than the notary?

Often yes, provided the notary is physically in their commissioning state and the act complies with that state’s RON law. Acceptance by the receiving party still must be confirmed.

Are electronic wills valid everywhere?

No. Acceptance varies by state. Some permit electronic wills and remote witnessing; others still require traditional in-person execution.

Will my county recorder accept an e-notarized deed?

Many do, but requirements differ. Confirm acceptance and any formatting rules before the session.

What ID do I need for RON?

Typically a government-issued photo ID that can pass credential analysis; some states also require knowledge-based authentication.

Next Steps

Have questions about using RON for a closing or an estate plan? Request a consultation. We’ll review your documents, confirm state-specific requirements, and help schedule a compliant, secure signing with your transaction stakeholders.

References

• National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) — RON Resources: https://www.nass.org/resources/remote-notarization (accessed 2025-08-19)
• MISMO — eClosing Standards Overview: https://www.mismo.org/standards/eclose (accessed 2025-08-19)
• Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) — eRecording Resources: https://www.pria.us/ (accessed 2025-08-19)
• Uniform Law Commission — Electronic Wills Act: https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=80bc9b0b-fff2-4c1a-bdbb-3fca2e7ae9bf (accessed 2025-08-19)

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information for readers in the United States and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. Consult an attorney licensed in your state for advice about your specific situation.