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Remote online notarization is legal in Wisconsin under Wis. Stat. ch. 140. Wisconsin caps notarial fees at $5 per act, with platform fees charged separately and disclosed in advance. Notaries must register for RON authority before performing remote sessions.
- ✅ Status: Legal
- 📅 Effective: 2020
- 🪪 ID: Identity by personal knowledge, credible witness, or identity proofing (credential analysis + KBA).
- 🎥 Retention: Audiovisual recording retention 10 years for remote acts (per emergency guidance; verify current rule).
- 💵 Fees: Maximum $5 per notarial act (applies to remote and in‑person).
- 🔗 Statute: Wis. Stat. ch. 140; Emergency Guidance (2020)
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Is remote online notarization legal in Wisconsin? Yes — Wisconsin authorizes remote online notarization under Wis. Stat. Chapter 140. Wisconsin caps notarial fees at $5 per act — one of the lower explicit limits nationally — with platform fees charged separately and disclosed in advance. Notaries must register for RON authority before performing remote sessions.
Wisconsin’s RON Framework Under Chapter 140
Wisconsin’s RON authorization is codified within Wis. Stat. Chapter 140, the state’s notarial acts statute. The framework establishes the authority for Wisconsin-commissioned notaries to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals using compliant audio-video technology. 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 all required.
Wisconsin notaries must register for RON authority with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) — which administers Wisconsin’s notary program — before conducting remote sessions. The DFI registration is a required step beyond holding a standard Wisconsin notary commission. Platform compliance with Wisconsin’s technical requirements should also be confirmed before beginning practice.
Wisconsin’s $5 Fee Cap: High Volume, Low Margin
Wisconsin’s $5-per-act fee cap for notarial acts — including remote notarizations — is one of the more constrained explicit limits in the country. For Wisconsin notaries building a RON practice, the economics require efficient, high-volume session management rather than high per-transaction margins. Platform and technology fees are separate from the capped notarial fee and must be disclosed in advance as a distinct line item.
The distinction between the $5 notarial cap and the separately disclosed platform technology fee is essential for transparent client communication in Wisconsin. Signers should receive a clear breakdown of what the $5 covers and what the separately disclosed technology fee represents before committing to a session.
Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s Industrial Economy
Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city and an important manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare hub. Major employers include Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, Kohl’s, and a significant healthcare sector (Froedtert, Children’s Wisconsin, Aurora Health Care). The Milwaukee metro generates consistent corporate, real estate, and employment document demand. Wisconsin’s financial services sector — with significant insurance and investment management presence — contributes estate planning and financial document notarization needs.
Madison — the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin — generates state government, research, and tech startup activity. The Madison real estate market has been active, with university-related in-migration and a growing technology and life sciences sector driving transaction volume.
Wisconsin’s Agricultural Economy and Rural Communities
Wisconsin is one of the country’s leading dairy states — “America’s Dairyland” — with significant corn, soybean, cranberry, and ginseng production. Farm sales, dairy facility transactions, agricultural leases, and rural real estate transfers generate notarization demand across Wisconsin’s extensive agricultural regions. RON provides rural Wisconsin residents with professional notarial access without requiring drives to county seats or regional centers. The Door Peninsula, Northwoods, and lake country regions generate second-home property transactions with out-of-state buyer activity.
Getting Started in Wisconsin
For Wisconsin notaries pursuing RON authorization under Wis. Stat. Chapter 140 — including DFI registration, the $5 fee cap structure, platform selection, and step-by-step guidance — see the Wisconsin RON notary how-to guide.
What’s Allowed under RON
- ✓ All standard notarial acts may be performed remotely.
Core Requirements
ID Requirements
Identity by personal knowledge, credible witness, or identity proofing (credential analysis + KBA).
Audio-Video Standards
Two‑way audio‑visual communication; session must be recorded.
Journal / Recordkeeping
Electronic journal required for remote acts.
Retention / Recording
Audiovisual recording retention 10 years for remote acts (per emergency guidance; verify current rule).
Fees & Limits
Maximum $5 per notarial act (applies to remote and in‑person).
Platform / Vendor Approval
Use a provider that meets WI standards for credential analysis and recording.|Use a provider that meets WI standards for credential analysis and recording.
FAQ
What are the requirements for a remote notary in Wisconsin?
Remote notaries in Wisconsin must use secure technology, obtain consent from all parties, and maintain a permanent journal of their notarial acts.
Can remote notarization be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, temporary emergency rules were implemented during the pandemic allowing remote notarization via electronic means.
How do I verify the identity of a signer in remote notarization?
The signer must present valid identification during the audio-visual session for identity verification.
Is there a need for training to become a remote notary in Wisconsin?
Yes, individuals must complete specific training and certification for remote notarization after becoming a commissioned notary public.
What technologies are approved for remote notarization in Wisconsin?
Notaries must use technology that is secure and compliant with state regulations, but specific platforms may need to be checked with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Can I notarize documents for clients located in different states?
Yes, remote notarization can be done for clients outside Wisconsin, but you should verify the recipient state's acceptance of the notarization.
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