Conflicting RON Rules

Remote Online Notarization (RON) refers to the process by which notaries perform notarizations remotely using audiovisual technology, allowing signers to appear before a notary without being in the same physical location. However, the adoption of RON laws varies widely across U.S. states, resulting in legal complexities and conflicts that affect both notaries and signers. For instance, Alabama permits notaries to conduct remote notarizations; however, the signer is required to use a wet ink signature on paper documents. The state does not have legislation authorizing RON outright but recognizes notarizations performed remotely under other states' laws. This means that a notarization done via RON in a state with clear RON regulations is valid in Alabama. Connecticut restricts the use of RON for particular transactions, especially those involving real estate finance, reflecting caution in applying RON to high-stakes document types. Georgia temporarily authorized RON from March 30, 2020, through April 15, 2022, enabling notaries to use audiovisual tools for notarizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the temporary allowance has expired and Georgia notaries can no longer perform RON, the state still recognizes RON notarizations completed by out-of-state notaries under their own RON statutes. Mississippi allows remote notarization of electronic documents with some restrictions but does not fully embrace RON for all notarial acts. Notably, the state permits remote notarization using audiovisual communication under certain conditions but does not authorize remote ink-signed notarization. South Carolina lacks permanent laws authorizing RON, meaning notaries in this state cannot conduct remote notarizations regularly. However, some states recognize out-of-state RON notarizations for South Carolina residents. In addition, the District of Columbia has authorized RON permanently but is undergoing minor statutory changes for full implementation. The current law also allows a "remote ink-signed notarization" process where the notary witnesses the signer remotely and then physically receives the signed document. The patchwork of RON laws reflects varying concerns about security, fraud prevention, and technology adoption. For users and notaries alike, understanding state-specific regulations, temporary measures, and interstate recognition rules is crucial. Staying informed about these evolving frameworks ensures compliant notarizations and avoids legal challenges, especially for transactions involving real estate, finance, and sensitive documents. As states continue to update their RON policies, monitoring legislative changes and official guidance is essential for all parties engaged in remote notarizations.