Key Takeaways
- Notary and principal communicate via audio-video technology
- Notary must be physically located in North Carolina
- Principal can be located anywhere (with some restrictions)
- Must use state-approved communication technology platform
- Audio-video recording of session required
Last updated: January 2026
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Remote Online Notarization allows principals to appear before a notary using audio-video technology rather than physical presence.
How RON Works
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Principal logs into approved RON platform |
| 2 | Identity verification performed |
| 3 | Audio-video session established |
| 4 | Notary verifies identity and awareness |
| 5 | Electronic document presented and reviewed |
| 6 | Principal signs electronically |
| 7 | Notary completes notarization |
| 8 | Session recorded and stored |
Location Requirements
| Party | Location Requirement |
|---|---|
| Notary | Must be physically located in North Carolina |
| Principal | Can be located anywhere (with some restrictions) |
| Session | Notary must be within NC during entire session |
Platform Requirements
Under the July 2025 updated rules:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| State Approval | Must use platform licensed by Secretary of State |
| Platform Fee | Platforms pay $5,000 annual licensing fee |
| Background Check | Platforms undergo background investigation |
| Security Standards | Must meet NC security specifications |
| Recording Capability | Must record audio-video sessions |
Identity Verification for RON
| Method | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Credential Analysis | Verify government-issued ID |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication | Questions from personal history |
| Multi-Factor Authentication | Additional verification methods |
| ID Document Verification | Technology to detect fraudulent IDs |
RON Session Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio-Video Quality | Clear, real-time communication |
| Identity Confirmation | Before beginning notarization |
| Document Review | Principal must be able to see document |
| Voluntary Signing | Confirm principal is signing willingly |
| Session Recording | Entire session recorded |
| Disclosure | Inform participants NC law requires recording |
Fees for RON
| Act | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| RON per signature | $25 |
| Compared to traditional | $10 (paper), $15 (electronic in-person) |
Documents NOT Eligible for RON
Certain documents cannot be notarized via RON:
| Document Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Self-proved wills | NOT permitted for RON |
| Revocable or irrevocable trusts | NOT permitted for RON |
| Death beneficiary forms (with acknowledgment) | NOT permitted for RON |
| Codicils | NOT permitted for RON |
| Documents for relinquishment of parental rights | NOT permitted for RON |
| Mail-in absentee ballots | NOT permitted for RON |
Key Points for the Exam
- Notary location: Must be in North Carolina
- Principal location: Can be anywhere (with exceptions)
- Platform: Must be state-approved
- Recording: Required for all RON sessions
- Fee: $25 maximum per signature
- Excluded documents: Wills, trusts, certain family law documents
Test Your Knowledge
Where must a North Carolina notary be physically located when performing remote online notarization?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following documents CANNOT be notarized via RON in North Carolina?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What must a notary do regarding recording during a RON session?
A
B
C
D