Remote Online Notarization (RON) in California: What You Need to Know in 2025

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows notaries to perform notarial acts for signers who are not physically present, using audio-visual technology. California has moved toward RON adoption, and it is increasingly relevant for notary exam candidates. ## Is RON Legal in California? Yes. California passed legislation (SB 696) authorizing remote online notarization. The California Secretary of State has established rules and requirements for RON providers and notaries who wish to perform remote notarizations. ## How RON Works In a remote online notarization: 1. The signer connects with the notary through an approved RON technology platform 2. The platform verifies the signer's identity through: - Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Questions based on the signer's personal history - Credential Analysis: Scanning and verifying the signer's government-issued ID 3. The notary and signer communicate via live, two-way audio-video 4. Documents are signed electronically 5. The notary applies an electronic seal and digital certificate ## Key RON Requirements for California - The notary must be physically located in California during the notarization - The signer can be located anywhere (in or out of California) - The RON platform must be approved by the California Secretary of State - An audio-video recording of the session must be retained for at least 10 years - The notary must maintain an electronic journal ## RON and the Notary Exam For the California notary exam, candidates should understand: - The basic legal framework for RON in California - The difference between traditional in-person notarization and RON - Identity verification requirements specific to RON (KBA + credential analysis) - Record-keeping requirements for remote notarizations ## RON vs. Traditional Notarization | Feature | Traditional | RON | |---------|------------|-----| | Signer location | Must be physically present | Anywhere with internet | | ID verification | Physical ID inspection | KBA + digital credential analysis | | Signature | Wet ink | Electronic | | Notary seal | Physical stamp | Digital certificate | | Recording | Not required | Required (10 years) | | Journal | Paper or electronic | Electronic required | ## Getting Started with RON Existing California notaries who want to perform RON must: 1. Complete additional RON-specific training 2. Register with the Secretary of State as a RON notary 3. Use an approved RON technology provider 4. Obtain an electronic seal and digital certificate --- Understanding RON is increasingly important for the California notary exam. Our study guide covers RON in Chapter 3 (Jurisdiction and Geographic Authority) and Chapter 5 (Identifying Document Signers). *Last updated: May 2025. Regulations are subject to change. Refer to the California Secretary of State website for the most current RON requirements.*