Notarization is the process of having a notary public verify your identity and watch you sign a document. Traditionally this meant driving to a bank, a UPS Store, or a lawyer's office with your ID in hand. Remote online notarization, or RON, lets you do the same thing over a live video call from your computer or phone.
How a RON session works
A typical RON session takes about 15 minutes. You connect to a video call with a commissioned notary, verify your identity (usually by answering knowledge-based questions and showing a government ID on camera), and sign your documents electronically while the notary watches. The notary applies a digital seal and the session is recorded.
The result is a legally notarized document, the same legal standing as an in-person notarization. Many courts and institutions accept RON documents without any additional requirements.
RON vs. ROW
You may also see the term ROW, which stands for remote online witnessing. RON and ROW are different things.
RON means a notary verifies your identity and watches you sign over video. ROW means a witness watches you sign over video instead of being physically present in the room. Some states allow both, some allow one but not the other, and some allow neither.
ROW matters for documents like wills that require witnesses. If your state allows remote online witnessing, your witnesses can join the video call instead of being in the room with you. If it doesn't, your witnesses must be physically present even if the notary is remote.
Why RON availability varies by document type
Even in states that have authorized RON, the rules are not always the same for every document. Some states allow RON for powers of attorney and trusts but specifically exclude wills. Others allow RON for all document types.
The reason is that wills receive more legal scrutiny than most documents. A will takes effect after you die, when you can no longer confirm your intentions. Courts and legislatures in some states are cautious about allowing remote notarization for a document where fraud or undue influence would be difficult to detect after the fact.
This is changing. More states authorize RON for estate planning documents every year. But for now, always check your state's specific rules before planning a RON session for your will.
When to use RON
RON is most useful when getting to a notary in person is inconvenient. If you live far from a notary, have mobility limitations, or simply want to finish your documents without scheduling an in-person visit, RON removes that friction.
RON sessions are typically available evenings and weekends, which makes them more accessible than most in-person notaries. Costs vary by platform, but most sessions run between $25 and $50 per document.
When RON won't work
If your state doesn't allow RON for the document you need notarized, you'll need an in-person notary. Most banks offer free notarization to account holders. UPS Stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries are other options, usually for a small fee.
Even if your state allows RON, some documents might not require notarization at all. Check your state's requirements to see what's needed for each document in your estate plan.