Remote & Out-of-State Closing Resource Center Remote Closing

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

Published 2026-09-13 Last reviewed 2026-09-13 By Lisa C Hamilton, REALTOR®

Quick Answer

Remote online notarization, often called RON, is a process in which a properly authorized notary performs a notarization using approved electronic and audiovisual technology rather than requiring everyone to be physically in the same room. Whether a particular document and transaction can use RON depends on state law, notary authority, title requirements, lender requirements, recording acceptance, and the document type.

Current Nevada Law: Subject to Verification

Whether a particular document can use remote online notarization (RON) depends on state law, the notary's authority, title and lender requirements, recording acceptance, and the document type. RON is not the same as an ordinary video call. Always confirm acceptance with the professionals handling the actual transaction and verify current requirements before relying on any remote notarization.

What Happens During RON?

A compliant process may involve:

  • Identity verification
  • Audiovisual communication
  • Electronic signatures
  • Electronic notarial certificate
  • Record retention

The precise requirements depend on applicable law and platform.

Does This Mean Every Closing Can Be Fully Online?

No.

Even where electronic notarization is legally available:

  • The lender may require another method
  • Recording requirements may matter
  • Investor rules may matter
  • The title company may have specific procedures

Why Buyers and Sellers Like It

RON can be useful for travel, remote relocation, out-of-state sellers, and busy professionals.

Fraud and Identity

A legitimate RON process uses identity and security procedures.

Do not click an unexpected "remote notary" link containing sensitive requests unless you have verified the sender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zoom alone enough?

No. A video call by itself does not automatically satisfy legal remote-notarization requirements. A compliant RON process uses approved electronic and audiovisual technology.

Can Lisa notarize documents?

No, unless independently commissioned and acting within applicable rules. Do not assume the REALTOR® serves as the notary.

Can all deeds use RON?

Acceptance must be confirmed with the professionals handling the actual transaction. Not every document or recording office accepts RON.

Lisa C Hamilton, REALTOR® with THE Brokerage, A Real Estate Firm®

Reviewed by

Lisa C Hamilton, REALTOR®, NV License S.168195

Lisa C Hamilton is a Las Vegas Valley REALTOR® affiliated with THE Brokerage, A Real Estate Firm®, helping buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating clients across Clark County and Greater Las Vegas. Lisa is not an attorney, escrow officer, title insurer, notary, CPA, lender, foreclosure consultant, mortgage servicer, tax adviser, bankruptcy professional, or HOA lien authority. She handles market value, listing strategy, sales timeline, seller-net analysis, as-is sale evaluation, buyer negotiation, and transaction coordination. Lenders and servicers control loan documents, assumption approval, release-of-liability, and funding procedures; escrow and title professionals control the settlement accounting, recorded title matters, and insurability; notaries perform notarization only as authorized; and attorneys and legal counsel handle powers of attorney, probate and estate authority, trust authority, entity authority, and any legal conclusions about ownership or title validity.

Need to Sign Remotely?

Lisa can help you understand the real-estate side of remote signing and connect you with the title, escrow and notary professionals who control the process.

Lisa C Hamilton is a Nevada REALTOR®, not an attorney, escrow officer, title insurer, notary, CPA, lender, foreclosure consultant, mortgage servicer, tax adviser, bankruptcy professional, or HOA lien authority. Nothing here is legal, tax, title, or financial advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Always verify current Nevada law and the specific facts of your situation with a qualified Nevada attorney, title professional, escrow professional, lender, servicer, and tax adviser.