In-Person Notary vs Remote Online Notary (RON)

We have all been there...getting in our car, Uber, or on the bus with a sensitive document in hand on our way to get it notarized. We might have to travel to our local post office or notary office which takes can sometimes take a significant time out of our day. Most in-person notary services are available while we are still at work or very early early on the weekends. Let's not mention that if you happen to be unprepared or forget something, there is a possibility that you will not be able to complete the notarization and have to try again next week (weather permitting of course!).

Luckily, many states have been approving the use if a remote online notary (RON). This allows you to have a document notarized 100% online from your home or office. It is a simple as uploading your document to a secure notary platform (be careful with this step) and having it notarized by a legally authrorized witness- known as a Notary Public).

Is it legal? 100% YES!

It is advisable to check with our state or country to see if RON services will be accepted. As of July 2026, the following states does not accept RON services: California, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Delaware (this information may or may not subjected to change in the future.

Who Can Benefit From RON?

Anyone with access to a smartphone or computer can benefit from RON services. This is especially helpful to overseas clients, elderly clients, and those who are unable to physically show up to notary offices.

How Would a Remote Online Notary Sign My Document?

Depending on your state, the Notary Public will stamp, emboss, or sign your document once they verify your identity. with RON services, the Notary Public will place an electronic signature with their full name and their commission number (if your state requires it).

Will My Document Be Secure?

It is not easy to find a secure online notary which is why Americans Abroad Referral Service will set an online notary appointment with our partners to ensure that your document is signed by a state approve Notary Public on a privately secured platform. We will also ensure that you receive the document within the same day or within 24 hours of signing.

How Would They Verify My Identity?

The remote online notary will ask you to show a valid government issued ID to your phone or computers camera screen. We suggest that this ID have your face and date of birth (no university degrees or work IDs). The Notary Public will also ask that you answer knowledge based questions about yourself. If you pass both verifications the Notary will then make the decision to sign your document.

There are many benefits of conducting an online notarization. Save yourself time, risk of exposing sensitive documents, and long lines by using an online notary.