RON 101

What is Remote Online Notarization?

RON lets you deliver convenient, secure, and accessible notarization experiences for signers and organizations across many industries.

 

 
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What is Remote Online Notarization?

 

Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets a signer complete a notarization without appearing in person. Using a digital RON platform, the signer provides identification, meets with a qualified notary by video, and signs the documents electronically while the notary records and completes the notarial act.

RON can save time and cost for companies, notaries and consumers because there’s no need to coordinate a physical appointment, fight traffic, find a time that works for everyone, or work with paper documents where initials or signatures can be missed. Instead, organizations can offer a digital path that fits the signer's schedule and location, reduces errors that need to be fixed later, and creates a clear record of the interaction.

Learn about Snapdocs RON solutions.

Benefits of Remote Online Notarization

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Convenient access for every signer

Complete notarizations wherever your signers are, without traveling to a notary's office.

certified

High-quality notary support

Connect signers with professional notaries for a consistent, guided experience.

standardized

Streamlined workflows 

Reduce manual coordination, paper handling, and avoidable process steps.

expensive

Lower administrative overhead costs

Reduce the costs and coordination associated with printing, shipping, storage, and repeat appointments.

security

Secure identity verification 

Use layered identity checks and digital records to help protect every transaction.

QC steps
Fewer Errors

Reduce major errors by up to 90%¹, cutting time spent on quality control, reviews, and rework.

How does remote online notarization compare to in-person notarization?

Where the appointment happens

  In-person notarization  

An in-person appointment takes place at an office, a branch or other fixed location, or the signer's chosen location with a mobile notary.

  RON  

Signers join an online video appointment with a notary using a phone or computer, subject to applicable law.

How documents are completed

  In-person notarization  

Documents are signed in person - either with wet signature or IPEN - and the notary completes the notarial act during the appointment. Document format and seal requirements depend on the workflow and jurisdiction.

  RON  

Documents are reviewed and electronically signed online during the appointment. The notary witnesses the signing and completes the notarial act using the electronic seal and recordkeeping required for the transaction.

How identity is verified

  In-person notarization  

The notary verifies the signer's identity using an accepted method, such as personal knowledge, a government-issued ID, or a credible witness. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.


  RON  

The signer completes identity verification online, including knowledge-based questions and live capture of an unexpired government-issued ID. A selfie and liveness check help compare the signer to the ID and guard against impersonation. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

RON AVAILABILITY

Where is remote online notarization available?

RON availability depends on state law and the type of document being notarized. The map showcases RON status by state. Snapdocs' experienced team can help you learn more about the requirements that may apply to your organization and signers. 

 

Rectangle 284960 Enacted RON Laws    Rectangle 284961 Active RON Bills in Session    Rectangle 284963 Enacted RON Laws (excl. real estate)   Rectangle 284962 No Current Activity

In what states is RON available?

GREAT USES FOR RON

RON can support many workflows that require notarization, including:

mortgage

USE CASE 1

Mortgage

Support lenders and title teams with faster, more flexible closings, fewer manual handoffs, less lerrors, and secure notarization for eligible closing documents.

Estate-Planning-wide

USE CASE 2

Estate planning

Make it easier for clients to complete powers of attorney, trusts, affidavits, and other estate-planning documents by reducing travel, scheduling friction, and paper handling.

automotive

USE CASE 3

Automotive

Speed up title transfers and vehicle transactions by simplifying notarization for powers of attorney and other documents, even when buyers, sellers, or dealerships are in different locations.

RON STRATEGY

Getting started with RON

Snapdocs helps you work through the right RON approach, starting with the technology, workflows, and pricing that best fit your business. Here are the three areas we recommend evaluating:

Choose the right technology
Choose the right technology

We help you evaluate the technology and service options that fit your organization, signer experience, and operational goals.Choose the right technology


 

Identify documents and workflows
Identify the right documents and workflows

We help you determine which documents, signers, and workflows are a fit based on your industry, jurisdiction, and customer needs.

Find the right pricing
Find the right pricing

We help you compare pricing options and build an approach that supports adoption, operational efficiency, and long-term scale.

bubbleFAQs

What are the benefits of remote online notarization?

RON offers more flexibility for signers, simpler coordination for teams, fewer errors and less rework, and strong security through digital identity verification and a complete electronic record.

 

What documents and industries can use remote online notarization?

RON can support workflows across any industry that requires notarization, including real estate, lending, legal services, financial services, healthcare, government, construction, human resources, and more. Eligibility depends on the document, signer, and applicable jurisdiction, so not every document can be notarized remotely everywhere.

 

How does RON verify a signer's identity?

RON uses a multi-step process to help verify a signer's identity. The exact steps can vary by workflow and jurisdiction:

  • Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Depending on the workflow and jurisdiction, the signer may answer questions based on trusted personal information.
  • ID Verification: The signer captures a clear image of a government-issued ID and completes the platform's identity checks.
  • Live notary review: During the video session, the notary compares the signer's appearance with their ID and confirms the signer is present, willing, and aware of the transaction.
 

 

Get Started with RON