What States Allow Remote Online Notary?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets a notary complete a notarization entirely online using audio-visual technology, with the signer in a different location. As of 2026, the large majority of U.S. states permit RON — but a handful still don’t, and a few have passed laws that aren’t operational yet.

This guide breaks down which states currently allow remote online notarization, which don’t, and how to confirm the rules that apply to you.

States That Allow Remote Online Notary (2026)

The following states have enacted permanent RON laws and currently authorize their notaries to perform remote online notarizations:

Rules vary by state — fee caps, approved technology providers, and which documents qualify all differ. For the specifics that apply to you, see our RON legality by state pages, and if you’re planning to get commissioned, our state-by-state how-to guides walk through the exact requirements.

States That Do Not Allow Remote Online Notary Yet

A small number of states have not yet made RON operational for their own notaries as of 2026:

• California: California passed Senate Bill 696, but RON is not operational until January 1, 2030 (or when the Secretary of State certifies the required technology project, whichever comes first). California notaries cannot perform RON today. See our full breakdown at Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in California?
• Georgia: Georgia’s temporary COVID-era authorization expired and was never made permanent. Georgia currently permits only in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) under O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8.1 — not remote. See Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Georgia?
• District of Columbia: Does not currently authorize remote online notarization for DC-commissioned notaries.

Importantly, residents of these states can often still get documents notarized online by working with a notary commissioned in a full-RON state — as long as the receiving institution accepts it (more on that below).

What If My State Doesn’t Allow RON?

If you live in a state that hasn’t authorized RON — or one where it isn’t operational yet, like California — you may still be able to notarize online. Most RON platforms connect you with notaries commissioned in states like Florida or Virginia, and the notarization is generally valid across state lines as long as the receiving party accepts it.

Before you start, confirm two things: that the document type is eligible for online notarization, and that the institution receiving the document (a lender, court, county recorder, etc.) accepts out-of-state RON. To see how this works in practice and which platforms to use, check our guide to the best online notary services and how to notarize documents online.

How Remote Online Notarization Works

The RON process typically involves the following steps:

• Identity Verification: The notary verifies the signer’s identity using personal knowledge, a credible witness, or multi-factor authentication (such as knowledge-based questions or credential analysis).
• Audio-Visual Communication: The notary and signer engage in a live video session where the notary witnesses the signing of the document.
• Electronic Signatures: The signer applies their electronic signature to the document during the video session.
• Notarial Certificate: The notary completes the notarial certificate and applies their electronic seal and digital signature.
• Record Keeping: The session is recorded, and an entry is made in the notary’s electronic journal.

Benefits of Remote Online Notarization

RON provides several advantages over traditional in-person notarization:

• Convenience: Complete notarizations from any location with internet access.
• Efficiency: Speeds up the process and removes the need for physical paperwork or travel.
• Accessibility: Provides notary access for people in remote or rural areas.
• Security: Uses identity-verification technology and a recorded session for a stronger audit trail than paper notarization.
• Flexibility: Offers scheduling options that work around both the notary’s and signer’s availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many states allow remote online notarization in 2026?

The large majority of U.S. states have enacted permanent RON laws authorizing their notaries to perform remote online notarizations. A small number — including California (not operational until 2030), Georgia, and the District of Columbia — do not yet allow their own notaries to perform RON.

Is remote online notarization accepted for all types of documents?

RON can be used for most documents that require notarization, including affidavits, deeds, and contracts. Some documents — such as certain wills or documents governed by specific state rules — may be excluded. Always confirm your document type is eligible in the relevant state.

How do I know if a RON platform is approved in my state?

Each state publishes a list of approved RON platforms on its official notary regulatory website. Make sure the platform you choose complies with your state’s regulations before using it.

Can a notary perform RON for signers in other states?

Generally yes. The notary must be physically located in their commissioning state while performing the notarization, but the signer can be located elsewhere — including in a state that doesn’t authorize RON. Acceptance ultimately depends on the receiving institution.