Key Takeaways
- Personal appearance is required for most notarial acts under RULONA
- The signer must be physically present before the notary
- Exceptions exist only for certifying copies and depositions
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) satisfies personal appearance via video
- Never notarize for someone not personally appearing
Last updated: January 2026
Personal Appearance Requirement
Personal appearance is one of the most critical requirements under RULONA. Understanding when it's required and how it's satisfied is essential for exam success and proper notarial practice.
The General Rule
All notarial acts (except certifying copies and depositions) require that the individual:
- Personally appear before the notary public
- Present satisfactory evidence of identity
What "Personal Appearance" Means
| Acceptable | NOT Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Signer physically in notary's presence | Signer on telephone |
| Signer appearing via authorized RON platform | Signer sending someone else |
| Face-to-face meeting | FaceTime/Zoom (without RON authorization) |
| Signer mailing signed document |
Exceptions to Personal Appearance
| Act | Personal Appearance Required? |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | YES |
| Verification on Oath | YES |
| Witnessing Signature | YES |
| Administering Oath | YES |
| Certifying Copy | NO |
| Noting Protest | Depends on circumstances |
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
The ONLY exception to physical personal appearance is for notaries authorized to perform Remote Online Notarization:
| RON Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorization | Must be approved by Department of State |
| Technology | Approved two-way audio-video platform |
| Identity verification | Credential analysis + KBA |
| Appearance satisfied | Live video communication |
Why Personal Appearance Matters
| Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Identity verification | See the person, compare to ID |
| Willingness assessment | Observe for signs of coercion |
| Competence observation | Assess mental awareness |
| Fraud prevention | Ensure signer is who they claim |
Red Flags - When to Refuse
Refuse to notarize when:
| Red Flag | Concern |
|---|---|
| Signer not physically present | Violates RULONA |
| Someone appears "on behalf of" signer | Fraud risk |
| Signer appears impaired | Competence concern |
| Signer seems coerced | Willingness issue |
| Signer doesn't understand document | Awareness concern |
On the Exam
- Personal appearance required: Yes, for most acts
- Exception: Certifying copies, depositions
- RON: Satisfies personal appearance via video
- Phone/email: Never acceptable
- Third party bringing document: Never acceptable
Test Your Knowledge
Which notarial act does NOT require personal appearance of the document owner?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A signer wants to notarize a document but cannot appear in person. They offer to appear via FaceTime. What should the notary do?
A
B
C
D