How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Arkansas (2025)

Overview

Becoming a remote online notary in Arkansas opens up opportunities to provide convenient and secure notarial services from any location.

With the advent of digital notarization, notaries can now serve clients more efficiently, offering faster booking and document completion times. This guide will walk you through the steps to become an online notary in Arkansas, ensuring you understand the requirements and benefits of this modern notary service.

Why Become an Online Notary in Arkansas?

Becoming an online notary in Arkansas is a smart move for several reasons:

• Convenience: Perform notarizations from anywhere, reducing the need for travel and in-person meetings.
• Efficiency: Faster booking and document completion times improve client satisfaction.
• Flexibility: Work from home or any location with internet access.
• Security: Use advanced technology to ensure secure and tamper-proof notarizations.

Steps to Become a Remote Online Notary in Arkansas

Effective April 29, 2021, Arkansas Notaries with an active Notary Public Commission can enroll for remote online notarizations (RONs). Follow these steps to become a remote online notary in Arkansas:

1. Maintain Your Traditional Notary Commission

Ensure you have a valid commission as a traditional Notary Public in Arkansas. If you are not yet a notary, you will need to complete the process of becoming a traditional notary first.

2. Fill Out the Online Application

Complete the Online Application for the Electronic Notary Commission. This application is available on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

3. Submit the Application and Fee

Send your completed application along with the $25 fee payment to the Secretary of State’s office. This fee covers the processing of your application for the electronic notary commission.

4. Complete the Mandatory Training Course

Successfully complete the required training course and pass the associated exam. This training ensures you understand the procedures and responsibilities of performing remote notarizations.

5. Contract with a RON Provider

Establish an agreement with a state-approved RON technology provider. This platform will facilitate your remote notarizations, providing the necessary tools for secure audio-video communication, identity verification, and record-keeping.

Becoming a Traditional Notary in Arkansas

If you are not yet a notary public in Arkansas, you will need to follow these steps to obtain your notary commission:

• Meet State Qualifications: Ensure you satisfy all the state’s prerequisites for becoming a notary.
• Obtain a Surety Bond: Secure a $7,500 surety bond as required by Arkansas law.
• Register and Pass the Exam: Create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website and pass the online examination.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the application form, which includes an affidavit that needs to be signed and notarized.
• Submit Documentation: Send your application, a copy of your bond, and the $20 fee to the Secretary of State’s office.
• Purchase a Notary Seal: Obtain your official notary seal once your application is approved.
• Optional Steps: Acquire a notary journal and consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. Continuing education is also recommended to stay updated on best practices.

Requirements to Become a Notary in Arkansas

To qualify for a Notary Public Commission in Arkansas, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or possess permanent legal residency status.
• Residency: Be a legal resident of Arkansas, a resident of a neighboring state employed or conducting business in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member employed or conducting business in Arkansas.
• Language Proficiency: Have the ability to read and write in English.
• Good Standing: Have not had a notary commission revoked in the last 10 years and have no felony convictions on record.
• Documentation for Permanent Residents: Submit a recorded Declaration of Domicile with the application.
• Special Provisions for Military Spouses: As of July 25, 2019, nonresident spouses of U.S. military service members employed or conducting business in Arkansas are eligible to apply, provided they furnish specific U.S. Department of Defense documentation.

Benefits of Becoming a Remote Online Notary in Arkansas

There are numerous benefits to becoming a remote online notary in Arkansas:

• Increased Accessibility: Provide services to clients who may have difficulty accessing traditional notary services due to location or mobility issues.
• Enhanced Security: Utilize advanced technology to ensure secure and tamper-proof notarizations.
• Greater Efficiency: Reduce the time needed for notarizations, leading to faster document processing and client satisfaction.
• Flexibility: Offer notary services from any location with an internet connection, providing greater flexibility in your work schedule.

For more detailed information on the legal aspects and requirements of remote notarization in Arkansas, visit our comprehensive guide: Is Remote Notary Legal in Arkansas?

Future Outlook for Remote Notarization in Arkansas

As remote notarization continues to gain popularity, Arkansas is likely to see ongoing advancements and updates to its regulations and practices. Keeping abreast of these changes will be essential for notaries and clients alike to ensure compliance and take full advantage of the benefits offered by remote notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I become a remote online notary in Arkansas?

To become a remote online notary in Arkansas, you need to hold a valid traditional notary commission, complete the online application for the electronic notary commission, pay the $25 fee, complete the required training, and contract with a state-approved RON provider.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a remote online notary in Arkansas?

Benefits include increased accessibility, enhanced security, greater efficiency, and flexibility in providing notary services from any location with an internet connection.

3. What technology do I need to perform remote notarizations in Arkansas?

You will need a computer with a webcam and microphone, a secure internet connection, and access to a state-approved remote notarization platform.

4. What are the requirements to become a notary public in Arkansas?

Requirements include being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a legal resident of Arkansas or a neighboring state, possessing the ability to read and write in English, and having no felony convictions or commission revocations in the last 10 years.

Becoming a remote online notary in Arkansas is a valuable opportunity to offer essential services in a modern and convenient way. By following the necessary steps and meeting the state’s requirements, you can become an authorized online notary and provide secure, efficient notarization services to clients across Arkansas. Stay informed about the latest developments and best practices to ensure successful and compliant notarizations in the digital age.

FAQ