E-Notarization vs Remote Online Notarization (RON): What's the Difference?
As notarization moves into the digital age, two terms keep coming up: e-notarization and remote online notarization (RON). While they sound similar and both involve electronic elements, they are fundamentally different processes with different requirements, different technology, and different levels of convenience. Understanding the distinction is important whether you are a notary deciding which services to offer or a consumer trying to figure out the best way to get a document notarized.
What Is E-Notarization?
E-notarization, sometimes called electronic notarization or ENOT, is the process of notarizing an electronic document while the signer is physically present in front of the notary. The document is digital, the signature is electronic, and the notary’s seal is applied digitally, but the signer and the notary are in the same room.
Think of e-notarization as the digital equivalent of traditional in-person notarization. Everything that happens in a paper-based notarization also happens in an e-notarization — identity verification, witnessing the signature, applying the seal — except it all takes place on a screen instead of on paper.
How E-Notarization Works
The signer appears in person before the notary. The notary verifies the signer’s identity using a government-issued photo ID, just as they would with a paper document. The signer applies their electronic signature to the digital document using a computer, tablet, or signing pad. The notary applies their electronic seal and digital signature to the document. The completed document is stored electronically with tamper-evident technology.
E-notarization requires the signer and notary to be in the same physical location. No video call is involved. The only difference from traditional notarization is that everything is digital rather than on paper.
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote online notarization is a process where the signer and the notary are in different physical locations and connect through a live, two-way audio-video session. The signer’s identity is verified through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and credential analysis in addition to the visual ID check on camera. The document is signed electronically, the notary applies a digital seal, and the entire session is recorded.
RON is what most people think of when they hear “online notarization.” The signer can be anywhere — at home, in another state, or even in another country — while the notary performs the notarization from their office.
How RON Works
The signer uploads their document to a RON platform. The platform verifies the signer’s identity through knowledge-based authentication questions and analysis of their government-issued ID. The signer and notary connect via a live video call. The notary confirms the signer’s identity on camera, administers any required oaths, and witnesses the electronic signing. The notary applies their digital seal and signature. The video session is recorded and stored along with the completed document.
Key Differences Between E-Notarization and RON
Physical presence. This is the most fundamental difference. E-notarization requires the signer and notary to be in the same room. RON allows them to be anywhere.
Identity verification. In e-notarization, the notary checks the signer’s ID in person, just like traditional notarization. In RON, identity verification includes multiple layers: credential analysis of the ID on camera, knowledge-based authentication questions, and visual confirmation during the video call.
Video recording. E-notarization does not involve video. RON requires the entire session to be recorded and retained, typically for a period of five to ten years depending on state law.
Technology platform. E-notarization can be performed using basic electronic signing tools and a digital seal. RON requires a specialized, state-approved technology platform that handles video conferencing, identity verification, document management, and recording.
Convenience for the signer. E-notarization offers the same convenience as an in-person visit — you still have to go to the notary or have the notary come to you. RON allows you to complete the entire process from your computer or phone.
State authorization. The legal frameworks for e-notarization and RON are separate in most states. A state may allow one without the other, or may have different rules and registration requirements for each.
State Laws and Adoption
E-Notarization
Many states allow e-notarization, and the adoption has been relatively straightforward since it does not change the fundamental in-person requirement of traditional notarization. States that permit e-notarization include California, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and many others. The requirements typically involve registering with the state, obtaining an electronic seal, and using tamper-evident technology for documents.
Remote Online Notarization
RON adoption has been faster in some states than others, though over 45 states now have permanent RON legislation. Each state that authorizes RON maintains its own rules about which technology platforms are approved, what identity verification methods are acceptable, how long recordings must be retained, and whether the notary can serve out-of-state signers.
Some states allow both e-notarization and RON, while others have adopted RON without specific e-notarization provisions, or vice versa. Always check your state’s current laws to understand what is available to you.
When to Use E-Notarization
E-notarization makes sense when you are meeting with a notary in person anyway and the document or transaction is part of a digital workflow. Common scenarios include real estate closings conducted through digital closing platforms, corporate signing events where documents are managed electronically, and any in-person notarization where the parties prefer a paperless process.
E-notarization is also useful in organizations that want to eliminate paper from their workflows. Law firms, title companies, and financial institutions increasingly use e-notarization as part of broader digital document management strategies.
When to Use RON
RON is ideal when in-person meeting is impractical, inconvenient, or impossible. Common scenarios include signers who live in different states or countries, people with limited mobility who cannot easily travel to a notary, situations where you need a notarization outside of business hours, urgent notarizations where you cannot wait for an available in-person appointment, and transactions during travel when you are away from your home area.
RON also offers a security advantage. The multi-factor identity verification used in RON — combining credential analysis, KBA, and video recording — is arguably more rigorous than the single ID check performed during in-person or e-notarization.
Cost Comparison
E-notarization fees are generally the same as traditional in-person notarization fees, since the process is essentially the same from a regulatory standpoint. You will pay whatever notary fee your state allows for the type of notarial act performed.
RON sessions typically cost more, ranging from $25 to $50 per session through most platforms. This reflects the technology platform fees, the multi-step identity verification process, and the cost of recording and storing the video session. However, when compared to hiring a mobile notary with travel fees, RON can be comparable or even less expensive.
Can You Choose Which Method to Use?
In most cases, the signer can choose their preferred method of notarization as long as the receiving party (bank, court, government agency) accepts it. Most institutions now accept documents notarized via both e-notarization and RON, but some still specify that in-person notarization is required. Always confirm with the document recipient before choosing your method.
Whether you need an in-person notary for e-notarization or a notary who offers RON services, FindNotary.io can help you find the right professional for your needs.
Ready to go digital? Find notaries offering electronic notarization for in-person digital signings, or browse our remote online notarization directory to complete the entire process from home.