Resource · Legal & Notary

Remote Online Notary Rules by State

Last reviewed October 2026

Remote online notarization (RON) lets a commissioned notary notarize documents over a secure, live video call, which makes it one of the few notary services you can truly offer from home. The rules depend on the state that commissions you, not where your signer lives.

How to use this guide

Select your state below to see whether it allows remote online notarization, whether you need separate approval, any training or fees, and a link to the official state office.

In most states that allow it, you'll need an active notary commission, a separate state authorization, and a contract with an approved technology provider. You'll usually need to be physically in your commissioning state during each remote notarization, even when the signer is somewhere else.

As of October 2026, 45 states and the District of Columbia allow their notaries to perform remote online notarization. California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and South Carolina do not, or not yet.

Important information and disclaimer: This guide is for general educational purposes only and isn't legal advice. Notary laws, fees, and approved technology change often, and some state websites contain outdated or conflicting information. Each entry was checked against official state sources in October 2026. Always confirm current requirements with your state's notary office before you apply or pay for training or software.

Spot something that has changed? Please let me know through my Contact page.

ALABAMA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Notaries are commissioned by county probate judges. Check with your probate judge and the Secretary of State about remote requirements before you start.
Training or exam: No state remote-specific training identified
State fees: Not specified by the state
Key rules: You must be physically in Alabama, and recordings must be kept for 7 years. Remote notarization can’t be used for absentee ballot applications or other voting purposes. New requirements took effect October 1, 2026 (Act 2026-536).

Official source: Alabama Secretary of State: Notaries Public

Last verified: October 2026

ALASKA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Send a written request to the Lieutenant Governor’s notary office (notary@alaska.gov) with your commission details, your technology vendor, and a copy of your electronic signature and seal.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified on the state’s site
Key rules: Allowed since January 1, 2021 (HB 124). Your technology must meet state standards (6 AAC 88).

Official source: Alaska Lieutenant Governor: Notaries Public

Last verified: October 2026

ARIZONA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply to the Secretary of State for a separate remote online notary commission, naming your technology vendor.
Training or exam: Provided by your technology vendor
State fees: No additional state fee or bond
Key rules: You must be physically in Arizona, but the signer can be anywhere. Processing takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Notary fees are capped at $10 per act, including remote acts.

Official source: Arizona Secretary of State: Remote & eNotary

Last verified: October 2026

ARKANSAS

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. You need an Arkansas notary commission first, then an electronic notary (eNotary) commission from the Secretary of State.
Training or exam: Yes, an online course and exam ($30), with a refresher every 2 years
State fees: $25 for the eNotary application
Key rules: Use a state-approved technology provider and be physically in Arkansas during the notarization. The signer can be elsewhere. Recordings are kept for 5 years. Authorized by Act 1047 of 2021.

Official source: Arkansas Secretary of State: eNotary

Last verified: October 2026

CALIFORNIA

Status: Not yet available

A 2023 law (SB 696) will allow it, but only once the Secretary of State finishes building its system, by January 1, 2030, or possibly later. When it starts, California notaries will need to register, take a 2-hour course, and pass an exam. Good to know: Californians can already use a remote notary commissioned in another state that allows it.

Official source: California Secretary of State: Notary Public

Last verified: October 2026

COLORADO

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Complete the state’s remote notary training and exam, then apply through your online notary account.
Training or exam: Yes, state training and exam
State fees: Notaries may charge up to $25 per remote act
Key rules: Use a Secretary of State–approved provider and be physically in Colorado. Recordings must be stored for 10 years.

Official source: Colorado Secretary of State: Remote Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

CONNECTICUT

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? No separate state registration identified
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Allowed since October 1, 2023 (Public Act 23-28). Any video tool that lets you see and hear the signer can be used. A recording isn’t required by law, but the state strongly recommends keeping one for at least 10 years.

Official source: Connecticut Secretary of the State: Notary Public

Last verified: October 2026

DELAWARE

Status: Allowed (confirm with the state)

Separate approval needed? Yes. Request remote authority through your Notary Profile.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Allowed since August 1, 2023, using state-approved technology providers. You must be physically in Delaware and use two forms of identity proofing. Note: another page on the state’s site says it isn’t issuing electronic notary commissions at this time, so confirm with the Delaware Notary office before you invest.

Official source: Delaware Notary Public: Important Information

Last verified: October 2026

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Add a remote endorsement to your existing DC commission. You need an in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) endorsement first, and at least one year as a DC notary.
Training or exam: Yes, through a recognized remote notary training vendor
State fees: $30 endorsement fee
Key rules: You must be physically in DC, use an authorized vendor, and keep an electronic journal.

Official source: DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications

Last verified: October 2026

FLORIDA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register as an Online Notary Public with the Department of State.
Training or exam: Yes, an online education course
State fees: $10 initial fee
Key rules: Contract with a RON service provider before you apply. Your registration expires with your notary commission. Governed by Chapter 117, Florida Statutes.

Official source: Florida: Remote Online Notary Public

Last verified: October 2026

GEORGIA

Status: Not available

Georgia doesn’t currently authorize remote online notarization for Georgia notaries. Bills introduced in 2026 did not become law. Good to know: Georgians may be able to use a remote notary commissioned in another state, depending on who will receive the document.

Official source: Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority: Notary Law

Last verified: October 2026

HAWAII

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply to the Attorney General for a remote online notary public commission. Only notaries with an active commission may apply.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $20 application fee
Key rules: Check the Attorney General’s notary page for current technology requirements.

Official source: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General: Notaries Public

Last verified: October 2026

IDAHO

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Add “Electronic or Remote Online Notary” authorization through SOSbiz or a paper form. You need authorization for each technology you use.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $20 for paper filing
Key rules: You’re responsible for choosing a technology that complies with state rules (IDAPA 34.07.01).

Official source: Idaho Secretary of State: Electronic Notary FAQ

Last verified: October 2026

ILLINOIS

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Add an electronic notary commission to your existing commission online, using an approved electronic notarization system provider.
Training or exam: A notary study course is required for all Illinois notaries
State fees: The $25 electronic notary commission fee is waived for two years as of July 27, 2026. Electronic acts are capped at $25.
Key rules: Illinois launched its electronic notary system in April 2024.

Official source: Illinois Secretary of State: Notary Commission Application

Last verified: October 2026

INDIANA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply online for Remote Notary Authorization.
Training or exam: Yes, an online course and a remote notary exam
State fees: $100 application fee (about $341 total with required education, according to the state)
Key rules: Use an approved vendor only. Continuing education is required every 2 years.

Official source: Indiana INBiz: Notaries

Last verified: October 2026

IOWA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Submit an additional application to the Secretary of State.
Training or exam: Yes, a state-approved course ($30), completed within 6 months before your first remote act
State fees: $30 for the course
Key rules: Use an approved live audio-video platform (Iowa Code 9B.14A).

Official source: Iowa Secretary of State: Remote Online Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

KANSAS

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register through your online notary account (Form NC).
Training or exam: Yes, free state training and test
State fees: $20 registration fee
Key rules: Allowed since January 1, 2022. Choose a provider from the state’s list and be physically in Kansas. Journals are kept for 10 years.

Official source: Kansas Secretary of State: Notary

Last verified: October 2026

KENTUCKY

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register with the Secretary of State as an online notary before performing electronic notarizations.
Training or exam: None identified in the statute
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Each remote act must be recorded, and recordings must be kept for at least 10 years (KRS 423.355).

Official source: Kentucky Secretary of State: Notaries

Last verified: October 2026

LOUISIANA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply to the Secretary of State and complete any required course.
Training or exam: As required by the Secretary of State
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Allowed since February 1, 2022 (Act 254 of 2020). Technology must meet state standards. Keep copies of each act and the audio-video recordings for at least 10 years.

Official source: Louisiana Secretary of State: RON Requirements

Last verified: October 2026

MAINE

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File a Notice to Perform Electronic and/or Remote Online Notarizations with the Secretary of State and wait for approval.
Training or exam: Training from your approved provider, which certifies it
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Use a state-approved technology provider. Zoom and FaceTime aren’t allowed. Journals are kept for 10 years. Maine’s updated notary law took effect July 1, 2023.

Official source: Maine Secretary of State: Apply to Be a Remote/Electronic Notary

Last verified: October 2026

MARYLAND

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File the remote notary notification form online.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Choose an authorized remote online notary vendor or other communication technology. You’ll receive a confirmation email when you’re authorized.

Official source: Maryland Secretary of State: Remote Notary Information

Last verified: October 2026

MASSACHUSETTS

Status: Not yet operational

A 2023 law allows remote online notarization, but the state’s system isn’t up and running yet. The Secretary of the Commonwealth says notaries shouldn’t use remote platforms at this time, and the required training and notification form aren’t available yet.

Official source: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth: Remote Online Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

MICHIGAN

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Use a state-approved remote vendor platform. The state provides an electronic and remote “Request for Change” form.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Notary fees are capped at $10 per act
Key rules: Keep your journal and each remote recording for at least 10 years.

Official source: Michigan Secretary of State: Notary Services

Last verified: October 2026

MINNESOTA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Submit the Remote Online Notarization Authorization form. You must be an active Minnesota notary with your commission filed in your county.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: You must be physically in Minnesota and use compliant technology. Re-register when your commission renews.

Official source: Minnesota Secretary of State: RON Authorization

Last verified: October 2026

MISSISSIPPI

Status: Not available

Mississippi’s permanent notary law requires signers to appear in person. Remote notarization was allowed only temporarily, under a COVID-era emergency order. Check with the Secretary of State for current guidance.

Official source: Mississippi Secretary of State: Notaries & Apostilles

Last verified: October 2026

MISSOURI

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register online as an electronic or remote notary. You must already be a Missouri notary.
Training or exam: Yes, an online training course
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Choose approved remote notarization software from the state’s list.

Official source: Missouri Secretary of State: Electronic Notary Info

Last verified: October 2026

MONTANA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register by filing the Notary Public Information Update form with proof of course and exam completion.
Training or exam: Yes, an approved course plus an exam
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Use an approved technology provider and be physically in Montana. Keep sole possession of your recordings, or use an approved repository.

Official source: Montana Secretary of State: Technology-Based Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

NEBRASKA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register as an online notary public.
Training or exam: Yes, the state’s online course plus a 20-question exam (85% to pass, 3 attempts)
State fees: $50 filing fee
Key rules: Use an approved solution provider.

Official source: Nebraska Secretary of State: Steps to Become an Online Notary

Last verified: October 2026

NEVADA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register as an electronic notary (eNotary).
Training or exam: Yes, an electronic notary training course and exam
State fees: A training payment plus a registration fee (see the state’s site for amounts)
Key rules: Use an approved platform. Remote acts are performed over a live audio-video call.

Official source: Nevada Secretary of State: eNotary FAQs

Last verified: October 2026

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Notify the Secretary of State of your technology vendors using the state’s form.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Allowed since February 6, 2022. Keep recordings and journal entries for 10 years.

Official source: New Hampshire Secretary of State: Electronic and Remote Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

NEW JERSEY

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Notify the State Treasurer electronically before your first remote act, naming the technologies you’ll use.
Training or exam: New non-attorney notaries take a state course and exam
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Record every remote act and keep recordings for 10 years (P.L. 2021, c.179).

Official source: New Jersey Notary Public Manual

Last verified: October 2026

NEW MEXICO

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File a RON amendment to your commission online.
Training or exam: Yes, a RON education course and exam
State fees: $75 filing fee
Key rules: Use an approved provider and be physically in New Mexico. Register your official stamp within 45 days of approval.

Official source: New Mexico Secretary of State: Become a Remote Online Notary

Last verified: October 2026

NEW YORK

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply for an Electronic Notary Public commission, which replaces your traditional commission.
Training or exam: None identified beyond the standard notary exam
State fees: Notary fees are up to $25 per electronic act
Key rules: You must be physically in New York and use compliant software. Keep recordings and your journal for 10 years.

Official source: New York Department of State: Notary FAQ

Last verified: October 2026

NORTH CAROLINA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register with the Secretary of State as an electronic notary with remote authorization.
Training or exam: Yes, an approved course of at least 4 hours, plus an exam
State fees: Notary fees are up to $25 per remote signature
Key rules: Allowed since July 1, 2024. Use a state-licensed platform and be physically in North Carolina. Some documents, such as wills and absentee ballots, are excluded.

Official source: North Carolina Session Law 2023-57

Last verified: October 2026

NORTH DAKOTA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File a Notary Public Amendment in the FirstStop portal, naming your technology provider.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Keep recordings and your journal for 10 years.

Official source: North Dakota Secretary of State: Electronic and Remote Notarizations

Last verified: October 2026

OHIO

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply for remote online notarization authorization online.
Training or exam: See the Secretary of State’s education requirements
State fees: Up to $30 per act, plus a technology fee of up to $10 per session
Key rules: Your platform must meet state rules, including live audio-video and identity checks.

Official source: Ohio Secretary of State: Notary Resources and FAQs

Last verified: October 2026

OKLAHOMA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Once your commission and bond are on file, submit the Remote Online Notarization application.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $25 application fee
Key rules: Allowed since January 1, 2020. Your authorization lasts only for your current 4-year term, so you reapply each term.

Official source: Oklahoma Secretary of State: Remote Online Notary Information

Last verified: October 2026

OREGON

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Notify the Secretary of State under its rules.
Training or exam: The state offers RON training, and vendors train you on their platforms
State fees: Notary fees are up to $25 per remote act
Key rules: Keep your electronic journal for 10 years.

Official source: Oregon Secretary of State: Remote and Electronic Notarization FAQs

Last verified: October 2026

PENNSYLVANIA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Notify the Department of State and wait for approval.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Use an approved solution provider. Remote notarization has been permanent since October 29, 2020 (Act 97).

Official source: Pennsylvania Department of State: Electronic or Remote Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

RHODE ISLAND

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File the Notary Public Information Update Form with samples of your electronic signature and stamp.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: No state filing fee
Key rules: Use an approved solution provider. Zoom, FaceTime, and WebEx aren’t allowed. Wait for email confirmation before you start.

Official source: Rhode Island Department of State: Become an Electronic/Remote Notary

Last verified: October 2026

SOUTH CAROLINA

Status: Not available

South Carolina allows electronic notarization only when the signer is physically present with the notary. Remote online notarization isn’t authorized for South Carolina notaries.

Official source: South Carolina Secretary of State: Notaries

Last verified: October 2026

SOUTH DAKOTA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. File a Notary Change Form listing your platform, along with an image of your electronic seal.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: The state doesn’t keep an approved-vendor list, so you choose a compliant provider. You must be physically in South Dakota (SDCL 18-1-11.2, passed in 2024).

Official source: South Dakota Secretary of State: eNotary

Last verified: October 2026

TENNESSEE

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Submit an Online Notary Application.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $75 initial fee
Key rules: Contract with your technology vendors before you apply. Your online commission ends when your traditional commission does (TCA 8-16-301).

Official source: Tennessee Secretary of State: How to Become an Online Notary

Last verified: October 2026

TEXAS

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply for an online notary commission.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $50, plus a 2.7% convenience fee
Key rules: You need a digital certificate, an electronic seal, and an identity-proofing provider. Keep audio-video recordings and backups.

Official source: Texas Secretary of State: Getting Started as an Online Notary

Last verified: October 2026

UTAH

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply for a separate remote notary commission, and reapply each time you renew your notary commission.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $50 application fee. Your bond must also increase to $10,000.
Key rules: You must be hired or contracted by an approved vendor.

Official source: Utah Notary: RON Application Process

Last verified: October 2026

VERMONT

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Get a special remote notarization endorsement from the Office of Professional Regulation.
Training or exam: One extra hour of continuing education at each renewal
State fees: See the state’s application fees
Key rules: Permanent rules took effect February 26, 2025. Keep recordings for at least 7 years.

Official source: Vermont Secretary of State: Notary FAQs

Last verified: October 2026

VIRGINIA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Apply for an electronic notary commission.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: $45 application fee
Key rules: Use two-way live audio-video. Keep video records and your journal for 5 years. Virginia was the first state to allow remote notarization, in 2011.

Official source: Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth: Electronic Notary

Last verified: October 2026

WASHINGTON

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Request a remote notary endorsement from the Department of Licensing (you need an electronic records endorsement first), and wait for approval.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: See the Department of Licensing’s fee page
Key rules: Email the name of your remote software to notaries@dol.wa.gov. Keep journals for 10 years.

Official source: Washington Department of Licensing: Notaries Public

Last verified: October 2026

WEST VIRGINIA

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Submit the e-Notarization application, naming your technology vendor.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: No fee to register as an e-notary
Key rules: Keep recordings for at least 5 years. Signing for someone outside the U.S. requires an additional Out-of-State Commissioner appointment.

Official source: West Virginia Secretary of State: e-Notarization

Last verified: October 2026

WISCONSIN

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Register through a DFI-approved technology provider, which notifies the state.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Only approved technology may be used (Wisconsin Act 125, 2020).

Official source: Wisconsin DFI: Remote Online Notary

Last verified: October 2026

WYOMING

Status: Allowed

Separate approval needed? Yes. Notify the Secretary of State before your first remote act, naming the systems you’ll use.
Training or exam: None identified
State fees: Not specified
Key rules: Allowed under Wyoming’s notary law effective July 1, 2021. Record each session and keep sole possession of the recordings.

Official source: Wyoming Secretary of State: Notaries

Last verified: October 2026