Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania permanently authorized RON through Act 97 of 2020
- RON allows notarization via two-way audio-video communication
- The notary must be physically located in Pennsylvania during RON
- The signer can be located anywhere (including outside the U.S.)
- RON is not a separate commission but an authorization on existing commission
Last updated: January 2026
Remote Online Notarization Overview
Pennsylvania permanently authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) through Act 97 of 2020, effective October 29, 2020. This allows notaries to perform notarizations for signers who are not physically present.
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
RON is a notarization where:
- The notary and signer are in different locations
- Communication occurs via live, two-way audio-video technology
- Documents and signatures are electronic
- The entire session is recorded and retained
Types of Notarization Compared
| Type | Signer Location | Document Format |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | In-person with notary | Paper |
| Electronic (ENOTARY) | In-person with notary | Electronic |
| Remote Online (RON) | Remote via video | Electronic |
Key Act 97 Provisions
| Provision | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Effective date | October 29, 2020 (permanent) |
| Notary location | Must be physically in Pennsylvania |
| Signer location | Can be anywhere |
| Technology | Approved RON platform required |
| Recording | Mandatory audio-video recording |
RON Is Not a Separate Commission
| Fact | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Same commission | Uses existing notary commission |
| Additional authorization | Must apply for RON authority |
| Renewal | Must renew e-notary status with commission renewal |
| Requirements | All standard notary requirements still apply |
Location Requirements
Notary Must Be In Pennsylvania
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Physical location | Notary must be physically in PA |
| Cannot use RON from | Other states or countries |
| Verification | Platform may verify location |
Signer Can Be Anywhere
| Location | Permitted? |
|---|---|
| Other Pennsylvania location | Yes |
| Other U.S. state | Yes |
| Foreign country | Yes (with conditions) |
Foreign Signers - Special Rules
When the signer is in a foreign country:
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Document purpose | Must be for U.S. use or related to U.S. matter |
| Foreign law | Act cannot be prohibited by foreign country's law |
| Language | Notary must communicate with signer |
What RON Authorizes
| Authorized | Description |
|---|---|
| All standard notarial acts | Acknowledgments, verifications, etc. |
| Electronic signatures | Digital signatures |
| Electronic seals | Digital stamp |
| Audio-video communication | Live two-way video |
Limitations on RON
| Document | RON Permitted? |
|---|---|
| Most documents | Yes |
| Vehicle titles | NO - requires wet signature |
| PA title transfers | NO - pen and paper required |
On the Exam
- Act 97: Permanent RON authorization (Oct 29, 2020)
- Notary location: Must be in Pennsylvania
- Signer location: Can be anywhere
- Technology: Approved RON platform required
- Not separate commission: Authorization on existing commission
Test Your Knowledge
What law permanently authorized Remote Online Notarization in Pennsylvania?
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Test Your Knowledge
Where must a Pennsylvania notary be physically located when performing a RON?
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Test Your Knowledge
Is RON a separate commission from a traditional notary commission?
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