Remote Online Notarization
What Is Remote Online Notarization in Virginia? (RON Explained)
Virginia RON explained: how it works, which platforms are approved, what documents are eligible, and when to use it instead of mobile.
What RON is
Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets a Virginia electronic notary witness a signature over secure audio-video — without being physically in the same room. Virginia was actually the first state in the country to authorize RON, all the way back in 2011.
The signer can be anywhere in the world. The notary must be commissioned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and physically located in the United States at the time of the notarization.
How a RON session works
- Document upload — you upload the unsigned document to the RON platform
- Identity proofing — KBA (knowledge-based authentication) with credit-history questions, plus government ID verification
- Audio-video session — you join a live video call with the Virginia electronic notary
- Visual ID check — the notary inspects your ID on camera
- E-signature — you sign electronically inside the platform
- Notary seal applied — a tamper-evident digital seal and certificate
- Recording stored — the audio-video is retained for at least 5 years per Virginia law
Approved RON platforms
Virginia electronic notaries must use a platform that meets state security requirements. Popular Virginia-compatible platforms include:
- Notarize
- DocVerify
- SIGNiX
- BlueNotary
- OneNotary
The notary, not the consumer, chooses the platform.
What documents are eligible
Most documents that can be notarized in person can be notarized via RON in Virginia, including:
- Powers of attorney
- Real estate documents (subject to lender/county recorder acceptance)
- Affidavits
- Corporate resolutions
- Apostille-bound documents (the apostille itself comes from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, not the notary)
Note: Some Virginia county clerks and lenders still require wet-ink original signatures for recording. Always confirm acceptance before booking a RON session for a recordable document.
When RON is the right choice
- The signer is out of state or abroad
- The signer is medically homebound but has internet and a camera
- Time-sensitive document with no mobile notary availability
- Business signers in multiple cities
When mobile or in-person is better
- The signer doesn't have a working camera or stable internet
- The recipient (lender, county, foreign authority) won't accept electronic seals
- Documents requiring two physical witnesses
- Hospital bedside signings (RON identity proofing rarely works well)
RON cost in Virginia
Virginia caps the notarial act at $25 per signature, plus a small platform fee ($5–$10 typically). Most providers offer flat session pricing of $40–$75 for one or two documents.
Is RON legally equivalent?
Yes. A Virginia RON-executed document is legally equivalent to a traditional notarization under Virginia law (§ 47.1-2). Federal recognition is generally strong under the SECURE Notarization Act framework, though recipient acceptance varies by jurisdiction.
Frequently asked
Do I have to be in Virginia to use a Virginia RON notary?+
No. The signer can be anywhere. The notary must be commissioned by Virginia and physically located in the U.S.
Can RON be used for real estate closings in Virginia?+
Yes, but acceptance depends on the lender and the county recorder. Confirm acceptance with both parties before scheduling.
Are RON sessions recorded?+
Yes. Virginia law requires retention of the audio-video recording for at least five years.
On Time Notary Editorial Team
Practicing Virginia notaries and signing agents writing about real-world signings.