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What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) and How Does It Work in Florida?

Bycarolyncruz@ymail.com

There was a time when getting a document notarized meant driving to an office, waiting in line, and hoping you brought the right paperwork. That’s no longer the case.

Remote Online Notarization — or RON — lets you get documents notarized from anywhere using a computer with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a valid ID. The entire process happens over a live video call with a commissioned notary public.

Florida was one of the first states to authorize RON, and the process is now well-established and widely accepted. At Direct Inc Notary Services, we offer RON sessions for eligible documents every day. Here’s everything you need to know.

How RON Works: The Basics

Remote Online Notarization uses secure audio-video technology to replicate the in-person notarization experience — digitally. Instead of sitting across a desk from a notary, you join a live video session from your computer.

During the session, the notary:

  • Verifies your identity through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and a credential analysis of your government-issued ID
  • Witnesses your electronic signature in real time over the video call
  • Applies their electronic notary seal and signature to the document
  • Records the entire session — Florida law requires a complete audio-video recording of every RON session, stored securely for at least 10 years

The result is a legally notarized document — identical in legal standing to one notarized in person.

What Documents Can Be Notarized via RON in Florida?

Most documents that require notarization can be completed through RON in Florida. Common examples include:

  • Real estate documents — deeds, mortgage closings, title transfers, lien releases
  • Power of Attorney — general, durable, and limited POAs
  • Affidavits and sworn statements
  • Trust documents and estate planning paperwork
  • Business contracts and corporate resolutions
  • Loan documents and financial agreements
  • Medical directives and healthcare proxies
  • Consent forms for travel, education, or guardianship

There are a few exceptions. Some documents — such as Florida self-proved wills — have specific witness requirements that may not be fully satisfied through RON alone. We’ll let you know upfront if your document has any limitations.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect in a RON Session

Step 1: Schedule Your Session

Contact us with the details of what you need notarized. We’ll confirm that your document qualifies for RON and set up a time that works for you.

Step 2: Upload Your Document

Before the session, you’ll upload your document to the secure notarization platform. This allows the notary to review it in advance and prepare the electronic notary fields.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

At the start of the session, you’ll answer a series of knowledge-based authentication questions (pulled from public records — things like past addresses, vehicles, or account history). You’ll also hold up your government-issued photo ID for the notary to inspect via video.

Step 4: Sign Electronically

Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll review the document on screen and apply your electronic signature where indicated. The notary watches in real time over video.

Step 5: Notary Applies Seal

The notary applies their electronic signature and official notary seal to the document. The completed, notarized document is then available for download — usually within minutes.

Step 6: Session Recording Stored

The full audio-video recording of the session is stored securely for a minimum of 10 years, as required by Florida law. This provides a clear audit trail for the notarization.

Who Benefits Most from RON?

RON is convenient for almost anyone, but it’s especially valuable for:

  • Snowbirds and part-time Florida residents — Sign Florida documents from your home up north without flying back
  • Busy professionals — No time off work, no driving, no waiting rooms
  • People with mobility challenges — Get documents notarized from home without transportation barriers
  • Out-of-state signers — Closing on a Florida property or handling legal matters remotely
  • Caregivers and family members — Handle Power of Attorney or healthcare directives without coordinating everyone’s schedule
  • Business owners — Execute contracts, resolutions, and agreements on your timeline

Is RON Legally Valid?

Yes. Florida Statute §117.265 authorizes Remote Online Notarization and establishes clear standards for how it must be performed. A document notarized through RON in Florida carries the same legal weight as one notarized in person.

RON-notarized documents are accepted by:

  • Florida courts
  • Title companies and real estate closing agents
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Government agencies (federal and state)
  • Most countries that accept U.S. notarized documents

For international use, a RON-notarized document can also be apostilled through the Florida Secretary of State — the same process as any in-person notarized document.

What You Need for a RON Session

Getting set up is simple:

  • A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone (smartphones may work but aren’t ideal)
  • A stable internet connection — strong enough for a clear video call
  • A valid government-issued photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport
  • The document to be notarized — in digital format (PDF preferred)

That’s it. No printer, no scanner, no special software. The notarization platform runs in your browser.

RON vs. Mobile Notary: Which Do You Need?

Both are convenient options, and we offer both at Direct Inc Notary Services. Here’s how they compare:

  • RON — Fully remote. No travel. Best for speed and convenience when all parties are comfortable with technology.
  • Mobile Notary — The notary comes to you in person. Best when you prefer face-to-face interaction, when multiple signers are in one location, or when the document type requires physical presence.

Not sure which option fits your situation? Contact us and we’ll recommend the best approach.

Schedule Your RON Session

Whether you need a quick notarization for a single document or a full signing session for a real estate closing, we make the process simple and stress-free.

👉 Contact Direct Inc Notary Services to schedule your Remote Online Notarization session. We’re available days, evenings, and weekends to fit your schedule.

Direct Inc Notary Services provides professional mobile notary, loan signing, RON, and apostille preparation services across South Florida. Fast, accurate, and always confidential.

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