Online tools are changing how we work and opening up new professional opportunities. One such area is the remote online notary (RON) market. This sector is seeing growth, with a projected increase of 17.5% from 2024 to 2030, according to Verified Market Reports.
The key driver of this growth is the ease of use RON offers, allowing notaries to run their services completely online. That’s why, in this post, we will explore how you can use these advantages to expand your services and make money as a remote online notary. We’ll give you useful tools, tips, and steps to take your notary services into the online market.
What is a Remote Online Notary?
A remote online notary is a public notary who uses digital tools to notarize documents over the Internet. The process involves verifying the signer’s identity, witnessing the signing of documents, and completing the notarial act on a secure website.
This option allows for greater convenience and accessibility, as it removes the need for in-person meetings.
How to Become an Online Notary?
To become an online notary, you need to follow a series of specific steps that make sure you meet all legal requirements and obtain the necessary tools and authorizations. Here are the steps to take:
1. Check Requirements
First, confirm that you meet the qualifications required in your state. But most of them are that applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, have no criminal background, and be proficient in reading and writing English.
Once you meet these qualifications, the next step is to become a traditional notary, which involves:
- Completing your application to your state’s notary regulatory; for example, in California, you would apply through the Secretary of State’s office.
- Paying an application fee, these can vary by state, but generally include application and registration fees.
- Taking an approved notary course if required, in the case of Florida the cost of the course is $20.00.
- Passing the state exam.
- Receiving your commission certificate.
2. Apply for a Remote Online Notary (RON) License
Apply for a RON authorization from your state. This may require additional fees and meeting specific state requirements. In Florida, additional registration is required for performing RONs, which includes submitting a separate application through the state’s notary division.
3. Complete Training
Complete any legally required training for Remote Online Notarization (RON), which could include specific courses or exams focused on digital procedures and legal frameworks. In states like Virginia, a specific RON training course must be completed through an approved provider like the National Notary Association.
4. Use Digital Tools
Get a digital certificate, electronic seal, electronic journal, and electronic signature. Choose reliable RON technology that meets state standards, like Notary Hub. Go for a state-approved RON technology provider, such as DocuSign or Notarize, which are widely accepted platforms.
How to Make Money as a Remote Online Notary?
Making money as a remote online notary has become a more viable option because it gives you steady income even when in-person notarizations are not possible. Using technology, you can offer notary services from the comfort of your own home, helping clients easily.
Here are some ways to make money online as a notary:
1. E-Signature Services
This service is in high demand as more businesses move to digital processes. Offering e-signature services lets clients sign documents electronically, providing a fast and convenient option for document authentication. This service can be particularly attractive to businesses that need to process large volumes of documents fast and efficiently.
- Partner with E-Signature Platforms: Collaborate with popular e-signature platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign to offer easy electronic signing experiences.
- Bundle Services: Combine e-signature services with notarization to provide a complete solution for clients.
- Target Specific Industries: Focus on industries that depend a lot on signed documents, such as real estate, legal services, and finance.
2. Electronic Document Management
This is another valuable service you can offer, as many businesses are looking for secure ways to handle and store their electronic documents. By offering this service, you can help clients organize, store, and access documents easily.
- Invest in Secure Software: Use trusted document management software like Dropbox that offers features like encryption, secure access controls, and cloud storage.
- Offer Document Scanning Services: Use tools like Adobe Scan, Scanbot, or CamScanner to digitize physical documents into digital formats for easier management.
- Provide Training: Educate your clients on best practices for electronic document management, such as organizing files efficiently, using encryption for security, setting up secure access controls, and using cloud storage effectively, to help them get the most out of the benefits of your service.
3. Collaboration with Other Notaries
This service can expand your client base and increase reference opportunities. By partnering with other notaries, you can create a network that supports each other and shares business leads.
- Reference Exchanges: Create a system where you refer clients to other notaries for services you don’t offer, and they do the same for you. This can help you tap into new markets and client bases.
- Joint Ventures: Partner with notaries in different regions to offer joint services, such as large-scale notarization projects or multi-state notarization services.
- Professional Associations: Join notary associations and networks to connect with other professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on industry trends.
4. Additional Revenue Streams
To even more diversify your income, consider offering additional services that complement your online notary work:
- Legal Document Preparation: Assist clients in preparing legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and contracts.
- Educational Workshops: Do workshops and webinars to educate professionals and businesses about the benefits and applications of remote jobs in the notary market.
Tips for Finding Remote Online Notary Jobs
Starting a career as a remote online notary offers flexible and convenient work opportunities. Here are some easy tips to promote your services to build a steady stream of clients.
1. Familiarize Yourself with State Regulations
Begin by fully understanding your state’s laws and regulations concerning Remote Online Notarization (RON). Each state has distinct requirements, and you need to make sure that you meet these legal standards to work without any problems.
Verify that your state authorizes RON and understand the specific steps required to comply with your state’s regulations.
2. Build Your Network and Market Your Services
Promote your RON services as you would with any other notary business. Inform your clients about the convenience and benefits of RON, highlighting the flexibility it offers.
For example, creating an online presence in platforms like Google Business Profile, highlighting your skills, experience, and social media can also help spread the word about your services.
3. Joining RON Platforms
Register with reputable RON platforms where the actual notarizations will take place. Some platforms, such as Notarize and DocuSign, offer clients directly to you, often on a demand basis or via scheduled appointments.
These platforms work as intermediaries, offering you a steady flow of clients without the need for a lot of marketing.
Essential Resources and Tools for Online Notaries
As a remote online notary, you need to use the right resources and tools at your convenience to increase your income. Here are some that can help you do that:
1. Online Courses and Professional Associations
- National Notary Association (NNA) Online Courses: Complete training on Remote Online Notarization (RON), including state-specific courses that prepare you for the certification process.
- Notary2Pro: Offers specialized courses that include advanced notarial acts and best practices for setting up an online notary business.
- American Society of Notaries (ASN): Provides ongoing education, legislative updates, and a community forum for networking with other notaries.
2. RON Technology Providers
- DocuSign: A widely used platform that offers secure electronic signatures and robust tools for online notarization.
- Notarize: Provides an all-in-one solution with video conferencing, e-signatures, and identity verification, designed specifically for online notaries.
Transform Your Notary Skills into Steady Income
Becoming a remote online notary can transform your traditional career and open up new income opportunities. Expanding your services to include e-signature services, electronic document management or collaborate with other notaries, can make you indispensable to your clients.
But if you prefer to keep your notary tasks traditional and still want to diversify your income by starting an online business, then you should look for an idea that sparks your interest. Don’t wait to take the next step toward financial freedom.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Make Money as a Remote Online Notary
What are the Costs of Becoming a Remote Online Notary?
The costs of becoming a remote online notary include:
- Application fee: Varies by state.
- Technology provider: Costs for a ready-to-use audiovisual platform.
- Necessary tools: Such as an electronic seal, digital signature, electronic journal, and digital certificate.
These expenses can go from less than $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on state requirements. For example, in case of Florida:
- Remote online notary course: $20.00
- $25,000 bond: $65.00
- Errors and omissions insurance: $60.00
- Application notarization fee: Up to $10.00
- Application filing fee: $10.00
Can I Offer Remote Notary Services to Clients in Different States?
Yes, you can provide remote notary services in different states, but it depends on the state. In Florida, a notary public can offer remote notary services to clients in different states and even countries. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that the electronically notarized document will be accepted as legal and valid in their respective state or country.
What Should an Online Notary Do to Protect Data Security and Privacy?
To protect data security and privacy, an online notary should:
- Verify signer’s identity: Use platforms like DocuSign or Notarize, which offer ID verification through government-issued IDs and dynamic KBA (Knowledge-Based Authentication) questions like: which of the following addresses have you lived at?
- Use secure platforms: Choose platforms with strong encryption, such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign, which offer secure storage and data backups.
- Implement access controls: Use two-step authentication and limit access based on roles, using tools like LastPass for password management.
- Maintain compliance: Follow state laws and ensure the provider’s privacy policy is transparent and adheres to legal standards.
Are Online Notarizations Legally Accepted in All States?
Online notarizations are not legally valid in all states. Currently, 43 states have adopted permanent Remote Online Notarization (RON) laws. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri.
Also, online notarizations are legally accepted in Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an Online Notarization?
The online notarization process can be completed in about 5–15 minutes. This timeframe deals with steps such as uploading the document, verifying your identification, connecting with a notary, and finalizing the notarization.
