How to Become a Remote Online Notary in North Dakota (2026)

Overview

North Dakota is a smaller population state, but its RON framework is active and its notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country once authorized. North Dakota also allows residents of bordering states who maintain a regular place of work or business in North Dakota to hold a North Dakota commission – useful for notaries near the Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana borders. Once authorized, North Dakota RON notaries can serve signers across the nation.

North Dakota RON Framework: Core Requirements

North Dakota’s RON requirements under the North Dakota Century Code:

• Active North Dakota notary public commission issued by the Secretary of State
• Completion of an SoS-approved RON training program
• Registration application submitted to and approved by the Secretary of State
• Use of only SoS-approved RON technology platforms
• Two-way real-time audio-visual communication during every remote session
• Identity verification using credential analysis and/or KBA
• Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
• Audio-visual recording of sessions retained per state requirements
• Remote notarial certificate language identifying the act as performed remotely

North Dakota’s Training Requirement

North Dakota requires completion of an SoS-approved training program before RON registration. The training covers North Dakota RON law, remote session procedures, identity verification, and electronic recordkeeping obligations. Verify the current list of approved training providers at sos.nd.gov/notary before enrolling – not all national RON training programs qualify for North Dakota credit. Keep the training completion certificate to submit with your registration. Applications submitted without proof of training are incomplete.

North Dakota-Approved RON Platforms

North Dakota requires the use of an SoS-approved technology platform. You cannot use a platform of your choice that is not on the approved list. Platforms that have been approved for North Dakota RON include:

• Notarize (Proof) – high consumer session volume, per-session payment model
• NotaryLive – strong notary scheduling and session tools
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
• SIGNiX – mortgage and real estate closing integrations

Verify the current North Dakota-approved platform list at sos.nd.gov/notary before finalizing your choice. Include your platform selection in the registration application.

North Dakota Traditional Commission: Key Facts

North Dakota notary commissions are issued by the Secretary of State. The commission process is centralized through the SoS – no county-level application. North Dakota’s commission term is 6 years, one of the longer terms in the country – good for RON notaries who want fewer renewal intervals. A surety bond is required. The 6-year term means your commission and RON registration should remain current for a longer window before renewal is needed.

The Bordering-State Work Exception

North Dakota allows residents of Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana who maintain a regular place of work or business in North Dakota to hold a North Dakota commission. For notaries near these borders, this is a practical option for accessing North Dakota’s RON-authorized notary market. Confirm physical location compliance during remote sessions – where you are located during the notarial act matters for jurisdictional compliance.

After Registration: North Dakota RON Compliance

Once registered, North Dakota RON notaries must:

• Use only the approved platform(s) listed in their registration
• Maintain an electronic journal with complete entries per act
• Retain audio-visual recordings per North Dakota’s retention requirements (minimum 10 years per the FAQ)
• Use North Dakota-specific remote notarial certificate language
• Notify the SoS of changes in technology provider or contact information

What North Dakota RON Notaries Can Notarize

North Dakota RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. Practical volume areas:

• Agricultural and property documents – North Dakota’s energy and agricultural sectors
• Legal and business documents – powers of attorney, corporate documents, affidavits
• Real estate documents – consistent demand from lender and title platforms
• Out-of-state signers – North Dakota RON notaries can serve signers anywhere nationally

Common Mistakes North Dakota RON Notaries Make

• Enrolling in training not on North Dakota’s approved list
• Using a platform not currently on North Dakota’s approved list
• Performing remote sessions before receiving SoS registration confirmation
• Not retaining audio-visual recordings for the required 10-year period
• Confusing bordering-state residency eligibility with physical location compliance during sessions

Before You Start

North Dakota RON requires SoS registration before any remote session. Complete approved training, submit the complete registration with platform information and training proof, pay the $30 fee, and wait for written confirmation. Official reference: North Dakota Secretary of State – Notary.

FAQ