How Remote Online
Notarization Works
A complete guide to RON — identity verification, video call signing, digital seals, and legal validity across all 49 states with RON laws. Takes about 15 minutes.
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a legally authorized process that allows a notary public to notarize documents via a secure, recorded video call — without the signer and notary being in the same room. New York State authorized RON under Executive Law §135-c, effective June 2021.
RON replaces physical presence with two layers of identity verification — Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and credential analysis — that are actually more rigorous than a traditional in-person notarization, which typically only requires showing an ID.
The result is a digitally sealed, tamper-evident document that is legally valid in all 49 states with RON laws and accepted internationally with an apostille.
The RON Process — Step by Step
From document upload to signed, sealed delivery in about 15 minutes.
Prepare your document
Upload your document to the secure notarization platform before the session. Do not sign it yet — you must sign in the notary's presence during the video call.
Verify your identity
Identity is verified two ways: Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) — a series of questions drawn from public records that only you can answer — and credential analysis, where your government-issued ID is scanned and verified.
Join the video call
Connect with the notary via secure, recorded video call. The notary confirms your identity, witnesses you sign the document electronically, and applies their digital notary seal and electronic signature.
Document is sealed and tamper-evident
The notarized document is digitally sealed with a tamper-evident certificate. Any alteration after notarization is detectable. The session video is retained as an audit trail.
Receive your notarized document
Download your notarized document immediately after the session. It can be submitted electronically or printed — both are legally valid in all 49 states with RON laws.
What You Need
Four things. That's it.
Smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone
Stable internet connection — Wi-Fi or 4G/5G
Valid, unexpired passport, driver's license, or state ID
Your document uploaded to the platform before the session — unsigned
Do not sign your document before the session. The notary must witness your signature. A pre-signed document cannot be notarized.
Where Is RON Legally Valid?
Executive Law §135-c — RON authorized since June 2021
All 49 states with RON laws accept NYS-notarized documents
Accepted in 124 Hague Convention countries with apostille
USCIS, Social Security Administration, and most federal agencies accept RON
RON — Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legally valid?
Yes. New York State authorized Remote Online Notarization under Executive Law §135-c. A RON notarization by a NYS-commissioned notary is legally valid in all 49 states with RON laws and accepted internationally with an apostille.
What is Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)?
KBA is an identity verification method that asks the signer a series of multiple-choice questions drawn from public records — such as previous addresses, vehicle registrations, or loan history. Only the real person can answer correctly. It is required by New York State for RON.
Can I use a foreign passport for remote online notarization?
Yes. A valid, unexpired foreign passport is accepted as identification for RON in New York State. You do not need a US driver's license or green card.
Is the video call recorded?
Yes. New York State law requires the notary to retain a recording of the RON session for at least 10 years. The recording serves as an audit trail and proof that proper procedures were followed.
What if I am outside the United States?
Remote Notary Online USA can notarize documents for signers located anywhere in the world via video call. You need a valid passport, a device with a camera and microphone, and an internet connection.
How is RON different from a traditional notarization?
Traditional notarization requires the signer to appear in person before the notary. RON replaces physical presence with a secure, recorded video call and adds two layers of identity verification (KBA + credential analysis) that in-person notarization does not require.
Ready to Get Notarized Online?
Book a 15-minute video session — available 24/7. No travel, no waiting rooms.