Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Remote online notarization (RON) would allow a signer to appear before a notary via real-time two-way audio-video technology rather than being physically present. The Online Notarization Act (SB 696, Chapter 291, Statutes of 2023) was signed into law on September 30, 2023, and became effective January 1, 2024, but is operative in stages.

Current status: California law does NOT currently authorize California notaries to perform remote online notarization. California law requires a person to physically appear before the notary public to obtain notarial acts like acknowledgments or jurats. A video image or other form of non-physical representation is not considered personal appearance under current California law (Government Code §8231).

The remaining provisions of the Online Notarization Act related to RON become operative when the Secretary of State completes the technology project (NAP 2.0) necessary to implement the new provisions, or by January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier. The Secretary of State may delay beyond 2030 if it notifies the Legislature and Governor in writing by January 1, 2029 that the project will not be complete.

Note: Although California notaries cannot yet perform RON, California residents may use RON services provided by notaries commissioned in other states where RON is already authorized. Such out-of-state notarizations may be recognized in California under Civil Code §1189(b).

Exam Tip: The correct answer to any current exam question about whether California notaries can perform RON is NO. Physical presence is still required for California-commissioned notaries. Do not confuse RON (not yet available for CA notaries) with electronic notarization (currently permitted — same room, electronic documents). The distinction is physical co-presence vs. video appearance.