How to Get a Remote Online Notary License

What Is a Remote Online Notary?

A remote online notary (RON) is a public official who is authorized to notarize documents electronically using audio-video technology, e-signatures and other digital tools. The notary and signer complete the notarial act from separate locations. Currently, 47 states and Washington D.C. allow remote notarizations. 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an RON License?

Most states have prerequisites for becoming a remote online notary. Each state has its own requirements, but these are uniform across almost all: 

• Be a legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
• Be a legal resident in the state of licensing
• Have no felony convictions

Check your local Secretary of State (SOS) website for more details on RON eligibility requirements in your state. 

How to Get a Remote Online Notary License

Getting an RON license is a simple process, but does require you to get a surety bond. Review the steps below for an overview of the RON license application process. 

Step 1: Become a traditional notary in your state

RON licensing typically requires you to hold a traditional notary license. Most states will allow you to complete both licensing processes simultaneously. For more specific details on the traditional notary application process, visit our licensing guides page or your local SOS notary page. 

Step 2: Purchase a notary bond and E&O coverage

All notaries — remote and traditional — must get a surety bond in the amount required by their state. Becoming a remote online notary typically means purchasing a bond with higher coverage due to greater risk. Errors and omissions coverage (E&O) is also recommended, which you can bundle with your bond purchase. 

Find coverage requirements and pricing for your state on our notary bond page!

Step 3: Complete required testing/training

Thirteen states require RONs to complete a training course and pass an exam: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Utah. 

In addition, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Nevada and Pennsylvania require state-approved training to get a RON license — but no exam. 

Step 4: Select a state-approved technology provider

As a remote online notary, you’ll need to establish yourself with a secure technology service. The majority of states offer a pre-approved list to choose from. If you don't have a pre-selected list, some of the top-rated RON service providers are BlueNotary, DocuSign, ClearSign and PandaDoc. 

Other important materials for remote online notarizations include: 

• Laptop or desktop computer with strong internet connection
• Webcam
• Microphone

Step 5: Submit an application

All states require you to submit a RON application to review. Check your local SOS notary page to find a paper or online application. 

Step 6: Purchase an electronic seal and supplies

You must get an electronic signature and seal from either a pre-approved provider or your state SOS office to complete remote notarial acts. An electronic notary journal may also be required or recommended. 

How to Renew Your Remote Online Notary License 

Generally, RON license renewal processes are very simple if you don’t let your term expire. Each state has different steps, but these are uniform across all:

• Complete a renewal application 
• Renew your notary bond 
• Make any necessary changes to your seal/signature

Find more state-specific renewal information on our notary license guides.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Remote Online Notary?   

The pricing range for RON licensing varies from around $100 to over $300, depending on the state. You can expect a fee for the following items:

• Application filing fee 
• Notary bond and E&O coverage
• Technology/notary supplies
• Testing/training fee, if applicable

Which States Do Not Allow Remote Online Notarization?  

There are currently only three states, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina, that do not allow remote online notarizations. 

What’s the Difference Between RONs, IPENs and Traditional Notaries?

There are three different classifications of notaries:

• Remote online notary (RON): Performs digital notarizations without the signer present
• In-person electronic notary (IPEN): Performs digital notarizations with the signer present
• Traditional notary public: Performs notarial acts in-person with the signer present

The ability to notarize documents remotely or digitally separates RONs and IPENs from traditional notaries who can strictly perform notarizations in person on physical documents. 

How Much Does a Remote Online Notary Make?

The average annual pay for RONs is $66,686 as of July 2024 (ZipRecruiter). A majority of states have pre-set amounts notaries are allowed to charge. In all regulated states, remote notaries can charge between $5–$30 per document based on local guidelines. Six states allow notaries to determine their own fees: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky and Maine. 

You can find your local RON fee amounts on your state SOS page. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Becoming a Remote Online Notary?

Becoming a remote online notary has many benefits. You have a flexible work schedule, the ability to work from home and can typically charge higher fees than for traditional notarizations. There is always a demand for notary services, and as an RON you are certified electronically and traditionally. 

There are also cons to becoming an RON. You'll typically pay more upfront for technology, application fees and often a higher bond amount. Also, the post-pandemic demand for RON notary services has declined as in-person signings regain popularity.