Snapdocs RON FAQs for Notaries: Answers to Common Questions

Remote Online Notarization (RON) gives notaries a convenient way to complete eligible signings online while expanding their service offerings. Before you invest in becoming a RON notary, here are answers to questions we hear most often: 

Why Should I Use Snapdocs RON?

Snapdocs RON is designed to simplify the remote signing process for notaries, whether you’re running your own business or looking to pick up additional signings from Snapdocs.

Key benefits include:

• No transaction fees for Snapdocs Notary Connect signings
• Access the RON platform directly from the Snapdocs order
• Completed documents automatically pass back into the Snapdocs order
• Fewer manual steps and less administrative work 
• An opportunity to expand your notary business by offering remote signings 

How Do I Get Started with Snapdocs RON?

Getting started typically involves a few steps:

1. Complete all steps to Become a Remote Online Notary for your state.
2. Complete any required RON training or education.
3. Join the Notary Connect Network for free to create your Notary Connect account and complete your online profile. Click here to learn more about setting up your account.
4. Activate your Snapdocs RON Account: Log in to your Notary Connect account at app.snapdocs.com and click the "Become a Snapdocs RON notary: Sign up for free” on the left side of your Notary Connect dashboard. This creates your free Snapdocs RON account, takes you through an onboarding process and helps you set up your RON profile. It’s free and enables you to receive RON signings from Snapdocs customers.
5. Optionally, if you want to create & serve signings you sourced yourself, you can purchase a ‘Snapdocs RON for Notaries’ subscription. Simply Click on the “Upgrade your account” button in the lower left navigation of Snapdocs RON.

What Types of Transactions Can I Complete with Snapdocs RON?

Eligibility depends on state law, lender and title company requirements, and the document types involved. As RON adoption grows, more transaction types are becoming eligible — check each assignment for eligibility details. 

What's the Difference Between a Digital Closings Order and a Scheduling Order?

• Digital Closings orders (lender-driven): Snapdocs prepares and tags the documents, creates the RON transaction, and automates scanbacks. You log in and conduct the closing — less prep work, which is why these typically carry a lower notary fee.
• Scheduling orders (typically managed by a title company or signing service): You create the RON transaction, tag the documents, conduct the closing, and upload scanbacks yourself. More responsibility on your end, which is generally reflected in a higher notary fee.

Will All of My RON Orders Use Snapdocs RON?

No.  Snapdocs customers who are not utilizing Snapdocs RON may continue to submit Remote Online Notarization assignments through Notary Connect that are completed on other RON platforms.
As a result, not all Notary Connect RON orders will be completed using Snapdocs RON. The platform used for a transaction will depend on the customer's workflow and technology preferences.

I Work With a Team of Notaries. How Can We Use Snapdocs RON?

For those that want to send, sign, and collaborate on agreements, we offer Snapdocs RON for Teams and Snapdocs RON for Enterprise.

Snapdocs RON for Teams is built for small and midsize teams. It includes unlimited users and support for RON, IPEN, and eSign, so your team can handle a range of signing needs together.

Snapdocs RON for Enterprise is best for larger organizations that need advanced capabilities and solutions tailored to their business business, including APIs and integrations.

Explore Snapdocs RON plans

What Happens After a RON Signing Is Completed?

For RON transactions that come from Snapdocs customers, once a signing is complete, the documents automatically pass back into the associated Snapdocs order.
Any RON signings you complete that are not directly connected to Snapdocs will need to be delivered to the hiring party.

Can Snapdocs RON Help Me Grow My Business?

Yes. Definitely. RON adoption is spreading nationwide. Offering RON services can help you meet the growing demand for digital transactions while providing clients with a more convenient signing experience.

By adding remote online notarization to your services, you may be able to expand your availability, serve more clients, and position your business for the continued growth of digital closings, not to mention save money on gas and other supplies.

Do I need special equipment to get started?

At minimum, you need a computer or tablet with a working webcam, reliable high-speed internet, and a quiet, well-lit space to conduct sessions. Some states also require an electronic notary seal, digital certificate, or e-journal but Snapdocs RON includes these where applicable.

Do I Need to Register Snapdocs RON with My State?

In some states, notaries must identify the Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology provider they plan to use as part of their RON registration or commissioning process.

Requirements vary by state:

• Pennsylvania: Select Snapdocs RON (formerly Pactima) as your RON technology provider with your state agency. Once selected, Snapdocs will be notified and verify your RON credentials within Snapdocs RON.
• Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois: Snapdocs will manage the required notification or registration with the state’s agency on your behalf, confirming that you will be using Snapdocs RON.

If your state requires you to designate a RON technology provider, be sure to follow its registration requirements before accepting remote notarization assignments.

Can I Use Snapdocs RON if I Live in California or the District of Columbia (D.C.)?

At this time, commissioned notaries in California and the District of Columbia cannot perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON) using Snapdocs RON.

California: In 2023, California passed legislation establishing a framework for Remote Online Notarization. However, California notaries must continue to perform notarizations with the signer physically present until the Secretary of State completes the technology and registration requirements needed to implement the law. The state has indicated this could occur as late as January 1, 2030, if implementation is not completed sooner.

District of Columbia (D.C): The District has enacted legislation authorizing Remote Online Notarization, but the RON program has not yet been fully implemented. While the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications has introduced a RON endorsement process, remote notarizations are not currently available for commissioned D.C. notaries.
We're closely monitoring legislative and regulatory developments in both jurisdictions. As these programs become available, we'll share updates and guidance to help notaries understand when and how they can begin using Snapdocs RON.

Final Thoughts

As remote transactions become more common, RON continues to create new opportunities for notaries. Snapdocs RON makes it easier to manage eligible remote signings by bringing the RON experience directly into your existing workflow.

With integrated order management, automated document handling, and no transaction fees for eligible Snapdocs Notary Connect signings completed on Snapdocs RON, notaries can spend less time managing technology and more time serving clients.