How RONs Work

In a RON, a signer appears before the notary at the time of the notarization in a video call over the internet instead of being physically present in the same room. RONs are also sometimes called a webcam notarization or online notarization.

Contrary to popular belief, RONs are actually more secure than traditional notarizations because they provide three ways to verify identity instead of the one relied on in traditional notarizations.

Only two things are required for a RON in states in which they are legal: an underwriter who will insure the transaction and a county clerk that accepts eRecorded documents. For the consumer, nothing is needed but a Social Security Number, a recent address and a standard laptop or computer with a webcam.

Here’s how a RON typically works

1. The business, typically a lender, uploads the documents that need to be signed and notarized to the RON platform, which sends a notice to the signer.
2. The business, typically a lender, uploads the documents that need to be signed and notarized to the RON platform, which sends a notice to the signer.
3. The signer logs into the website or platform and begins the authentication process.
4. The notary receives an alert that the signer has accessed the website 16 and joins the signer to complete the authentication process via webcam in a recorded session.
5. The signer completes any required signatures and the notary performs an electronic notarization of the documents.
6. Copies of the executed documents are send to the lender and the signer.
7. The audio-visual recording of the authentication process is saved in the notary’s electronic journal along with the notarized documents.