Remote online notarization — usually shortened to RON — lets a notary and a signer complete a notarization over live audio-video technology instead of meeting in person. It's become a significant part of the notary landscape, and it's increasingly likely to show up as a topic on state notary exams and training courses, even in states that don't fully authorize it yet.
How RON generally works
In a typical RON transaction, the signer and notary connect through an approved audio-video platform. The notary verifies the signer's identity using a combination of methods — often government-issued ID verification technology and knowledge-based identity questions — that go beyond simply looking at a document, since there's no in-person exchange. The signer electronically signs the document, the notary applies an electronic notarial seal and signature, and the session is typically recorded and retained as part of the notary's record-keeping.
Related: What to Expect on Your State’s Notary Public Exam
Why it isn't the same everywhere
This is the single most important thing to understand about RON: authorization, required technology standards, identity-verification methods, and recording-retention rules are all set at the state level, and they differ. Most states now authorize some form of remote online notarization, but a state's specific requirements — including whether a notary needs a separate RON registration or endorsement on top of their base commission, and which technology platforms are approved — should always be confirmed directly against that state's current law rather than assumed from what another state requires.
RON vs. a plain video call
A common misconception is that any notary can simply hop on a video call with a signer and call it a remote notarization. In states that authorize RON, there are usually specific requirements around platform approval, identity verification, session recording, and registration that must all be satisfied — an ad hoc video call generally doesn't meet them. Notaries should confirm they are using a platform and process that actually complies with their state's RON law before relying on it.
What to know for an exam
- Understand the general concept and purpose of RON, even if your own state doesn't authorize it yet
- Know that RON typically requires additional authorization, technology, and training beyond a standard notary commission
- Be ready for exam questions that test whether you understand RON is a state-specific option layered on top of the base commission, not a replacement for it everywhere
As with most notary law, the handbook published by your own state's commissioning authority is the authoritative source on whether and how RON applies to you — treat outside articles, including this one, as background context rather than a substitute for that.