Key Takeaways
- Louisiana allows remote online notarization (RON)
- Notary must be physically in Louisiana during RON
- RON registration required ($100 one-time fee)
- Authentic acts cannot be done remotely (witnesses must be present)
- Witnesses must be in physical presence of the signer for RON
Last updated: January 2026
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Louisiana
Louisiana allows remote online notarization with specific requirements and important limitations for real estate transactions.
What is RON?
Remote Online Notarization allows a notary to notarize documents for a signer who is not physically present, using audio-visual technology.
| Aspect | Traditional | RON |
|---|---|---|
| Signer Location | Physical presence | Remote (anywhere) |
| Notary Location | With signer | Must be in Louisiana |
| Technology | Paper-based | Electronic platform |
| Identity Verification | In-person ID | Knowledge-based + ID |
Eligibility for RON Registration
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission | Current, active LA notary |
| Residency | Louisiana resident |
| Training | Complete state-approved RON education course |
| Quiz | Pass online quiz |
| Certificate | Obtain PDF completion certificate |
| Registration | File with SOS via Notary account |
| Fee | $100 (one-time) |
Critical Limitations
Authentic Acts CANNOT Be Done Remotely
| Document Type | RON Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Simple Acknowledgment | Yes |
| Affidavit | Yes |
| Authentic Act | No |
| Real Estate Closing (authentic) | No |
Authentic acts must be executed before a notary and two witnesses and may not be done remotely.
Witness Requirement for RON
| Rule (R.S. 35:626) | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Witnesses must be in physical presence of signer |
| Not Remote | Witnesses cannot appear via video |
| Purpose | Maintains integrity of witnessed documents |
Notary Location During RON
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Location | Must be physically in Louisiana |
| Parish | In commission parish OR reciprocal parish |
| Signer Location | Can be anywhere |
| Documentation | Record notary's location |
RON Technology Requirements
| Component | Standard |
|---|---|
| Platform | Approved RON technology provider |
| A/V Recording | Required by platform |
| E-Journal | Electronic journal maintained |
| Identity Verification | Knowledge-based authentication + ID |
Practical Applications
RON CAN Be Used For:
- Simple acknowledgments
- Affidavits and oaths
- Certified copies
- Documents not requiring authentic form
RON CANNOT Be Used For:
- Real estate closings (if authentic act required)
- Wills (notarial testament)
- Any document requiring two witnesses
- Documents where authentic form is mandatory
Hybrid Closings
Some Louisiana closings use a hybrid approach:
| Step | Method |
|---|---|
| Buyer Documents | May be RON (if not authentic) |
| Seller Documents | May be RON (if not authentic) |
| Act of Sale | In-person authentic act required |
On the Exam
- Authentic acts: Cannot be done remotely
- Notary location: Must be physically in Louisiana
- Witnesses: Must be physically with signer
- RON fee: $100 one-time registration
Test Your Knowledge
Can an authentic act (such as a real estate closing) be performed using remote online notarization in Louisiana?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
During a remote online notarization in Louisiana, where must the notary be physically located?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
For a remote online notarization requiring witnesses in Louisiana, where must the witnesses be?
A
B
C
D