The Future of Remote Online Notarization (RON) in the U.S.

Sep 13

Remote Online Notarization (RON) — where a notarial act is completed over the internet using audio‐visual tools — has seen rapid adoption in the U.S., driven by the need for convenience, efficiency, and in many cases, public health. The technology, regulatory environment, and public demand are all in flux. In this article, we look at where RON stands today, what the future may hold, and what stakeholders (notaries, businesses, lawmakers, end‐users) need to watch out for.

Where RON Stands Now

As of 2024, 44 states plus the District of Columbia have passed legislation allowing some form of Remote Online Notarization.
California recently signed SB 696 (in 2023) to allow RON, though with certain regulatory & implementation timelines.
Despite widespread legalization, state laws vary significantly in terms of technical requirements, identity verification, record‐keeping, platform approval, and whether RON is allowed for certain types of transactions (for example, real estate closings, powers of attorney, etc.).

Key Drivers of Growth

Convenience & Speed
Since RON doesn’t require physical presence, it cuts down time, travel, and logistical hurdles — especially for people in rural areas, those with mobility issues, or those working non‐standard hours.
Digital Transformation & Remote Culture
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as an accelerant for many remote processes; RON benefited from that shift. Organizations now expect many functions to be available remotely.
Legal/Regulatory Momentum
There is both state level legislation and advocacy for more uniform standards. Bodies like MISMO (for mortgage / real estate) are pushing for model bills and standard practices.
Technology Enablers
Better identity verification (credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, biometrics), secure platforms, cloud storage, better video/audio tools are making RON more reliable, trustworthy.

Challenges & Risks

Regulatory Fragmentation: Different states have different rules. Something that is legal in State A may not be valid, or may have extra constraints, in State B. This complicates transactions that cross state lines.
Fraud & Identity Verification: Ensuring that the person on the video is who they claim to be, that IDs are valid, guarding against deepfakes or forged documents. Weak verification could lead to legal disputes.
Technology & Access Gaps: Not everyone has reliable internet, modern devices, or sufficient digital literacy. Risk of excluding portions of the population.
Security & Data Privacy: Protecting notarization records, ensuring secure storage, keeping audio‐visual sessions safe, preventing tampering.
Legal Recognition / Inter-State & International Acceptance: Documents notarized via RON in one state need to be accepted in other states (or other countries) without dispute. Also, some kinds of transactions (e.g. certain real estate or probate matters) may have stricter requirements.

Emerging Trends & What’s Next

Standardisation & Model Legislation
Efforts are underway (by industry groups, associations) to create model standards so that there’s less variation state-to-state. Federal legislation might follow or support this.
More States Coming On Board
The few remaining states without RON (or with limited RON laws) are likely to adopt or expand RON soon, especially as demand increases.
Integration with Other Legal / Real Estate Processes
Particularly in real estate: eClosings, digital mortgage workflows, etc., where RON is one piece of a broader digitized transaction.
Use of Blockchain, Immutable Records & Decentralized Identity
To enhance trust and traceability, some platforms may adopt blockchain ledgers for recording notarial acts, or use self-sovereign identity systems so individuals have more control over their credentials.
AI / Automation
From helping with identity verification, fraud detection, auto-checking documents for compliance, to automating mundane tasks and improving user experience.
Improved Accessibility & Inclusivity
Platforms are adapting to users with disabilities, lower tech access, different languages. Policies may mandate or encourage accessibility practices.
Heightened Security & Audit Trails
Deeper, more robust logs of video/audio sessions, encryption, tamper-evident seals, mandatory secure archives. Better prevention against fraud.

Projections: What Might the U.S. RON Landscape Look Like in 5-10 Years

Near-universal state adoption with narrower gaps: Almost all states will have well‐defined RON laws, and many of the current restrictions will be lifted (e.g. for real estate, wills, powers of attorney).
Interstate & Multistate Recognition: Mechanisms to accept RON across state lines more seamlessly; possibly a federal framework or court decisions to ensure recognition.
Higher trust & lower friction: As technology improves (better identity verification, AI tools, more secure platforms), the process will become smoother, with fewer transaction failures or dispute cases.
More transaction types via RON: Beyond just title/real estate and financial docs — more legal documents, business filings, healthcare directives, remote work HR paperwork, etc.
Global or Cross-Border Notarization: As international trade & remote work increase, there could be more acceptance of RON-notarized documents in foreign jurisdictions, or treaties / frameworks to facilitate international validity.
Regulators balancing innovation with consumer protection: Laws and oversight will try to keep up — ensuring fraud is minimized, but not so heavy that innovation is stifled.

What Stakeholders Should Do to Prepare

Businesses & Real Estate Firms: Adopt or partner with RON-capable platforms, train employees, review legal compliance in your states, ensure good UX for clients.
Notaries: Learn the tools, get certified if needed, keep up with state law changes, ensure your platform meets technical / security standards.
Lawmakers / Regulators: Push for clarity, uniformity, balancing flexibility with safeguards; maybe consider enabling interstate recognition or a federal fallback.
End-Users / Consumers: Be aware of your state regulations, choose platforms with strong identity verification, understand your rights, keep copies and audit trails of notarized documents.

Possible Obstacles

Resistance from traditional notaries or legal professionals wary of digital change.
Security breaches or high-profile fraud cases that could shake public trust.
Variations in digital infrastructure—unequal access in rural or under-served communities.
Legal challenges: disputes about whether a remote notarization met state’s requirements, or whether certain documents notarized remotely are accepted in other jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Remote Online Notarization is more than a temporary workaround—it’s rapidly becoming a core part of how documents are authenticated in the U.S. The trajectory points toward wider adoption, greater uniformity, increased use of advanced technologies, and more seamless transactional workflows. But challenges remain: regulatory variation, fraud risk, and access issues must be addressed if RON is to reach its full potential.

For those in legal, real estate, tech, or business sectors, paying attention now will be crucial. The future will likely be a hybrid model: in-person where necessary, remote where possible—and increasingly smart, secure, and user-friendly.