Remote Online Notarization Laws by State (2026 Table)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws by State

Most U.S. states now let their notaries notarize for a signer over a live audio-video session. When we checked official state sources on October 20, 2026, 44 of the 51 jurisdictions (50 states plus DC) allowed remote online notarization, 3 allowed it only in a limited form, 2 didn't allow it yet, and for 2 we couldn't confirm the current rule from an official source. Texas has allowed it since 2018.

The table below links every row to the state's own statute or commissioning authority, so you can check the rule yourself. Laws change, so always confirm with the state before you rely on a row.

What counts as remote online notarization

Remote online notarization (RON) means the signer and the notary aren't in the same room. They meet over two-way audio and video, the notary verifies the signer's identity remotely, and the session is recorded. States use different names for it: "online notarization", "remote notarization", "notarial act for a remotely located individual" or "remote electronic notarization".

In most states RON isn't automatic for every notary. A commissioned notary usually has to register, apply or get approval from the state first, and often has to use an approved technology provider. The Notes column flags this where the official source says so.

Some states also have a lighter version, where the signer signs paper on camera and then mails it to the notary. We mark a state "Limited" when the official source describes a partial program, one that isn't running yet, or one with major document exclusions.

Texas: how RON works here

Texas lets a notary apply to the Secretary of State to be commissioned as an online notary public (Gov't Code §406.105). An online notary can perform any notarial act a traditional Texas notary can, as an online notarization (§406.107). The subchapter took effect July 1, 2018 (Gov't Code ch. 406, subch. C).

Key Texas rules from Chapter 406, Subchapter C:

• Signer location. The signer doesn't have to be in Texas during the session (§406.110(a)).
• Identity. The notary verifies identity by personal knowledge, or by remote presentation of a government photo ID plus credential analysis and identity proofing (§406.110(b)).
• Certificate. The certificate must note that it was an online notarization (§406.110(d)).
• Records. The online notary keeps an electronic record, including the audio-video recording, for at least five years (§406.108).

The Texas Secretary of State describes an online notary as a public officer with the same authority as a traditional notary, who notarizes through a secure two-way video and audio conference. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our Texas remote online notary guide.

What usually differs from state to state

The basic idea is the same everywhere, but the details vary. These are the differences that most often matter to signers:

• Where the notary must be. Many states require the notary to be physically inside their own state during the session. Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota and South Dakota say so on the official pages linked below. Texas focuses on the signer instead: the signer can be outside Texas (§406.110(a)).
• Which documents are excluded. Some states carve out document types. Connecticut's notary manual excludes wills, trusts, real estate closing documents, health care directives, standby guardianship papers and powers of attorney from remote notarization. Alabama excludes voting-related documents.
• How long the recording is kept. Texas requires at least five years (§406.108), and Alabama's page says seven. Other states set their own periods.
• Which technology is allowed. Several states only allow approved platforms. Rhode Island, for example, says FaceTime, Zoom and WebEx can't be used.

RON laws by state (50 states + DC)

"Check with the state's commissioning authority" means we couldn't confirm the current rule from an official state source on the date shown. The link goes to that state's Secretary of State home page.

How to read this table

• Yes means the official source describes a working remote online notarization option for that state's notaries. Registration or approval steps usually still apply.
• Limited means a law exists but the official source describes a partial program, one that isn't running yet, or major document exclusions.
• No means the official source shows no remote online option for that state's notaries yet.
• The table covers whether that state's own notaries can perform RON. It doesn't cover whether that state accepts a document notarized online somewhere else. That's a separate question, covered next.

Can a Texas RON document be used in another state?

Often, yes, but it depends on who receives it. Each state, court, county recorder, bank and agency decides what it accepts, so confirm with the receiving party before you book the session. Ask them three things:

1. Do you accept a document notarized online by a Texas online notary?
2. Do you need a paper original with a wet-ink signature, or is an electronic PDF fine?
3. If the document is going abroad, do you need an apostille as well?

If it's going abroad, see our apostille service page for how that step works. If the receiving party won't take an online notarization, an in-person or mobile notary is the fallback. Our RON vs. in-person comparison can help you choose.

How to get a document notarized online in Texas

1. Check the receiving party's rules first. Make sure they'll accept an online notarization and the format it produces.
2. Have your ID ready. The Texas online notary verifies identity by personal knowledge, or by your government photo ID plus credential analysis and identity proofing (§406.110).
3. Prepare the document. Have the document ready to upload or show, and don't sign it before the session.
4. Find a Texas online notary. See our remote online notary service page, or post a free request describing the document, the deadline and where it's going. Local notaries respond, and nothing is booked until you both agree.
5. Keep the result. After the session, download and save the notarized document, and send it to the receiving party in the format they asked for.

Prefer to sign in person? The same free request works for mobile and in-person notaries.

Sources (last checked 2026-10-20)

• Texas Government Code, Chapter 406, Subchapter C (Online Notary Public): https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.406.htm
• Texas Secretary of State, Notary Public: https://www.sos.texas.gov/statdoc/notary-public.shtml
• One official source per state, as linked in each row of the table above (state statute or the state's notary commissioning authority).

This page summarizes official state sources in plain language and isn't legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the state's commissioning authority and the party receiving your document.