Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Vermont? (2026)

Remote online notarization is legal in Vermont under 26 V.S.A. ch. 103 and §5379. Vermont follows its general notarial fee schedule for remote acts, with no RON-specific cap. Notaries must register for RON authority and use a compliant platform before performing remote sessions.

Is remote online notarization legal in Vermont? Yes — Vermont authorizes remote online notarization under 26 V.S.A. Chapter 103 and specifically 26 V.S.A. § 5379. Vermont follows its general notarial fee schedule for remote acts with no RON-specific cap. Notaries must register for RON authority and use a compliant platform before performing remote sessions.

Vermont’s RON Framework Under 26 V.S.A. Chapter 103

Vermont’s remote online notarization authorization is established within the state’s notarial acts chapter at 26 V.S.A. Chapter 103, with the RON-specific provision at § 5379. The statute provides the foundational authorization for Vermont-commissioned notaries to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals using compliant audio-video technology. Vermont notaries must register for RON authority through the Secretary of State before conducting remote sessions.

The framework covers all standard notarial acts for remotely located individuals. Real-time two-way audio-video communication, identity verification through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (or personal knowledge or credible witness), electronic journal maintenance, and session recording retention are required. All fees — notarial and platform technology — must be disclosed to signers before each session begins.

Vermont’s General Fee Schedule

Vermont applies its general notarial fee schedule to remote online notarizations — there is no RON-specific fee cap distinct from the general schedule. Vermont notaries should confirm the current applicable fees under Vermont law and price their RON services accordingly, with advance disclosure of all costs including platform fees. The absence of a RON-specific cap provides some pricing flexibility within the constraints of the general schedule.

Vermont’s Geography and Seasonal Residents

Vermont’s character — a small, rural, heavily forested New England state with a sparse year-round population but a significant seasonal and second-home community — shapes its RON demand in ways similar to Maine and New Hampshire. Ski resort communities (Stowe, Killington, Mad River Glen, Sugarbush) attract out-of-state second-home buyers who own Vermont property but live primarily elsewhere. Many of these buyers complete Vermont real estate transactions without traveling to the state — natural RON users.

Vermont’s summer and fall destination character — the leaf-peeping and outdoor recreation economy — also generates second-home and vacation property demand. The Champlain Valley and Burlington area attract out-of-state buyers priced out of Boston and New York. RON provides these remote buyers with efficient access to notarial services for their Vermont property transactions.

Burlington and Vermont’s Concentrated Professional Market

Burlington — Vermont’s largest city — concentrates the state’s professional services, healthcare (UVM Medical Center), higher education (University of Vermont), and technology economy. Despite its small size, Burlington has a vibrant tech startup community and is the center of Vermont’s legal, financial, and insurance services. The Greater Burlington area generates the bulk of Vermont’s professional document notarization demand. For notaries building a RON practice in Vermont, the Burlington market is the primary professional services target alongside the seasonal/second-home real estate market.

Getting Started in Vermont

For Vermont notaries pursuing RON authorization under 26 V.S.A. § 5379 — including SOS registration, fee schedule compliance, platform selection, and step-by-step guidance — see the Vermont RON notary how-to guide.