While specific procedures will differ from state to state, the following steps are generally applicable if your state's notary laws authorize notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON).
General Requirements
- You must meet your state’s qualifications. You must hold a commission as a traditional Notary Public before you apply to become a RON Notary. In some states, you may be able to apply for a traditional notary commission and an eCommission to perform digital closings at the same time.
- You must have an additional surety bond or E&O insurance policy to cover remote online notarizations (if required).
- You must complete any additional RON-specific testing or educational courses required by your state (if required).
- You must have the RON-specific tools required by state law. This may include, but are not limited to:
- A device with audio/video capabilities
- Strong internet connection
- An electronic seal, electronic signature, electronic journal, and digital certificate.
- These are typically provided by your chosen RON technology platform(s), given the platform(s) is/are compliant with your state statutes.
- You must apply or register with your state’s notary regulating official to perform RONs. The application form may require you to indicate the specific platform or technology provider you will use.
- If your state requires it, you may need to submit evidence that you've completed an educational course or passed an exam. You may also need to prove your surety bond or insurance policy.
- Pay the state’s application fees (if required).
Here are the specific steps to become RON approved inside Snapdocs. Additionally, for more information, you can check out the National Notary Association website.
Which States Allow RON?
RON legislation has been passed in 45 states, enabling notaries to perform electronic notarizations.