Understanding Remote Online Notarization (RON): Secure Signings from Anywhere

Remote Online Notarization, commonly called RON, has fundamentally changed how Floridians get documents notarized. Instead of scheduling an in-person appointment and driving across town, you can complete a legally binding notarization from your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

RON is a process that allows a Florida-commissioned notary to notarize documents for signers who appear before them via live audio-video communication. The signer is verified through government-issued ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA), then the notary witnesses the signing in real time over a secure platform.

Florida was one of the first states to authorize RON, and the law (F.S. 117.265) has been in effect since January 2020. The result: your signed and notarized document is as legally valid as one completed in person.

How the Technology Works

A compliant RON session uses a compliant platform that handles three things simultaneously:

• Identity verification: government-issued ID scan plus KBA questions only the signer can answer
• Live video session: both signer and notary appear on screen throughout the signing
• Tamper-evident seal: a digital notary seal and certificate that is cryptographically tied to the document

The session is recorded and stored, creating an audit trail that exceeds what a traditional paper notarization provides.

Who Benefits Most from RON?

RON is ideal for clients who need flexibility: those traveling, living outside Southwest Florida, homebound, or simply pressed for time. It is also the preferred method for military families and veterans stationed away from home, real estate buyers and sellers in different states, and corporate clients managing high volumes of signed documents.

What Documents Can Be Notarized via RON?

Documents may be eligible for RON, but recipient acceptance, witness rules, and document-specific requirements must be checked first. Estate documents, certain powers of attorney, and apostille-bound records need particular care. Examples to discuss before booking include:

• Real estate documents and mortgage closings
• Powers of attorney and healthcare surrogates
• Wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
• Apostille-bound documents prior to state submission
• Affidavits, sworn statements, and general notarizations

Booking a RON Session with Gulf Coast Notary Pros

Request a session through the contact form. Include the document type, signer location, and deadline. We confirm eligibility, identity-verification requirements, fees, and availability before scheduling.

By Gustavo Coutin, Gulf Coast Notary Pros. Published and updated September 28, 2026.