Remote Online Notarization — “RON” for short — lets you get documents notarized over a live video call instead of in person. Washington state legalized RON in 2020 under the Uniform Electronic Notarization Act. Today it is used for everything from real estate closings to passport applications to simple affidavits. This post explains how it works, when it is the right choice, and when it is not.

Washington’s law (RCW 42.45.280) authorizes notaries to perform notarizations electronically using approved video platforms. The notary and the signer do not need to be in the same physical location. The session is recorded, identity is verified through multiple checks, and the notary applies a digital seal to the electronic document.

RON is recognized under Washington law, and electronically notarized documents have the same legal effect as traditionally notarized ones in most contexts.

How a RON Session Works

A typical RON session takes 10–20 minutes and looks like this:

1. Identity verification (KBA). You answer 5–7 knowledge-based authentication questions generated from public records — former addresses, vehicle history, credit-file details. You must get most correct within 2 minutes.

2. Credential analysis. You hold your government-issued photo ID to the camera. The platform scans the ID for security features, validates the document, and cross-references the photo against your live face.

3. Document review. The notary walks through the document with you on screen, confirms you understand what you are signing, and confirms you are signing voluntarily.

4. Electronic signing. You sign the document using the platform’s tools — typically a drawn signature or typed signature block.

5. Notary seal and certificate. The notary applies their digital seal and notarial certificate. You receive the signed, notarized document via email or download.

6. Recording retention. The platform retains an audio-video recording of the session for at least 10 years, as Washington law requires.

When RON Is the Right Choice

RON works well when:

  • You are out of state or traveling and need a Washington-notarized document
  • You cannot easily leave home (mobility, childcare, work schedule)
  • The document needs to be signed quickly and a mobile notary is not available within your timeframe
  • The receiving party explicitly accepts RON (important — see below)
  • You have reliable internet and a working webcam

RON is commonly used for:

  • Real estate seller packages (deed signatures, sworn statements)
  • Power of attorney documents
  • Affidavits and sworn statements
  • Business and corporate paperwork
  • Release-of-claims documents
  • Medical records releases

When RON Is NOT the Right Choice

RON is not always accepted. Skip RON and go in-person when:

1. The receiving party refuses RON. Some title companies, banks, and foreign governments will not accept electronically notarized documents. Always confirm with the receiving party first.

2. The document requires wet-signatures for recording. Some county recorders in Washington accept electronic documents; others do not. For real estate documents, confirm with the specific county.

3. The document will be used in a non-RON state. Roughly 45 states have RON laws, but a handful do not. If your document will be filed in Mississippi or South Carolina, check first.

4. The document is going abroad (apostille). The Washington Secretary of State’s apostille process currently requires wet-signed, physically notarized documents. Do not use RON if the end goal is an apostille.

5. The signer is impaired or has difficulty with technology. If an elderly parent is signing and cannot reliably operate a webcam or answer KBA questions, an in-person mobile notarization is kinder and more reliable.

6. Military base or correctional-facility signer. Many secure facilities do not permit the webcam setup RON requires.

RON Cost vs. Mobile Notary Cost

A typical RON session costs $25 per notarial act through most platforms. No travel fee applies, which can make it cheaper than a mobile visit — especially for distant signers.

For a Gig Harbor signer getting a single document notarized:

  • Mobile notary: $15 (notarization) + $50 (Gig Harbor travel) = $65
  • RON: $25 + no travel = $25

For most single-document situations inside Gig Harbor, RON is cheaper. But for multi-document real estate closings, document-by-document RON fees add up fast, and an in-person mobile signer often wins.

What You Need for a RON Session

Minimum requirements:

  • Valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (same as in-person)
  • Computer or tablet with webcam and microphone — phone screens are too small for most platforms
  • Stable internet connection — 10+ Mbps recommended
  • Quiet, well-lit private space — you will be on camera for the session and the notary needs to see you clearly
  • The document in PDF form, uploaded to the RON platform
  • Credit/debit card for the platform’s KBA and identity verification fees

Booking a RON Session With Us

We offer RON for signers anywhere in Washington state at $25 per notarial act, no travel fee. Sessions can usually be scheduled within 24 hours, often same-day. See our Remote Online Notarization page for scheduling.

Not sure whether RON or in-person mobile notary is right for your document? Call us and describe the situation — we will recommend the path most likely to be accepted by the receiving party.