Remote Online Notary (RON) Requirements Electronic Notarization in New Jersey

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a New Jersey Notary Public to perform certain notarizations using approved audio-visual communication technology.

While electronic notarization is permitted under New Jersey law, it carries significant compliance obligations and technical requirements.

Before offering Remote Online Notarization services, a New Jersey Notary must fully understand statutory authority, recordkeeping requirements, and technology responsibilities.

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization allows a notary to:

Communicate with a signer using real-time audio-visual technology
Verify identity through approved remote identification methods
Apply an electronic signature and electronic notarial certificate
Maintain required electronic records and retention

RON does not expand a notary’s authority. It is simply a different method of performing authorized notarial acts.

The same statutory limits still apply.

What Is a Loan Signing Agent?

A Loan Signing Agent is a commissioned notary who facilitates the signing of loan documents, typically in real estate transactions.

A Loan Signing Agent may:

Present loan documents to borrowers
Identify where signatures and initials are required
Confirm documents are completed
Notarize documents that require notarization

A Loan Signing Agent is not a separate public office created by New Jersey law. It is a functional description of a notary performing services related to loan document signings.

NJNA Recommendation: Master Paper Notarization First

The New Jersey Notary Association strongly recommends that a notary become fully comfortable and proficient with traditional paper notarizations before offering Remote Online Notarization services.

The steps required in a standard notarization are already detailed and precise:

Proper identification
Determining the appropriate notarial act
Ensuring signer awareness and willingness
Completing a compliant notarial certificate
Recording the act in a compliant journal

These steps are not simplified in a remote environment.

In a RON setting, the same complexity exists — but now with an added layer of technology requirements, electronic security standards, identity credential analysis, audio-visual retention, and platform compliance obligations.

Adding technology does not reduce legal responsibility. It increases it.

Legal Authority and Limitations Still Apply

When performing Remote Online Notarization in New Jersey, a notary may not:

Provide legal advice
Interpret documents
Explain legal consequences
Select forms for the signer

Remote notarization does not change the boundary between lawful notarial acts and the Unauthorized Practice of Law.

See: Unauthorized Practice of Law

Technology Requirements and Platform Compliance

Remote Online Notarization requires the use of compliant technology platforms capable of:

Secure real-time audio-visual communication
Identity verification procedures
Tamper-evident electronic records
Required retention and storage

A notary must understand the platform’s capabilities and ensure it meets statutory standards.

Lack of familiarity with the technology does not excuse noncompliance.

Electronic Journal and Record Retention

RON includes expanded recordkeeping obligations, including:

Secure electronic journal entries
Audio-visual recording retention
Statutory retention periods
Protection against unauthorized access

Electronic recordkeeping must be consistent, secure, and compliant.

See: NJ Notary Journal Requirements

RON Fees in New Jersey

New Jersey’s remote notarization law requires transparency about fees charged, including an itemized list of fees.

At this time, the New Jersey State Treasurer has not set a specific maximum fee per remote notarization session. For that reason, it is a best practice to have the signer agree to your fee in advance and to present fees clearly and transparently.

Important compliance point: if you charge any separate service fees related to technology, administration, or convenience, keep those fees clearly separated from statutory notarial act fees and do not represent service fees as the statutory notary fee.

See: New Jersey Notary Fees

Compliance Risks in Remote Notarization

RON presents increased compliance risk because it combines:

Identity verification
Statutory notarial acts
Technology use
Electronic recordkeeping
Audio-visual documentation

Common risk areas include:

Improper identity verification
Platform misuse
Incomplete electronic records
Failure to retain recordings for the required period
Advertising electronic services improperly

Because RON transactions are heavily documented, mistakes can become permanent compliance problems.

Should You Offer RON Services?

Remote Online Notarization can expand access and convenience, but it is not paper notarization on a screen.

Before offering electronic services, a New Jersey Notary should be completely comfortable with:

Standard notarization steps and certificate completion
Journal compliance and defensible recordkeeping
Fee transparency and lawful billing practices
Maintaining boundaries to avoid UPL risk

Technology should never compensate for weak statutory understanding.

Education and Professional Preparation

The New Jersey Notary Association provides New Jersey-specific instruction focused on:

Authorized notarial acts
Statutory authority limits
Journal compliance
Fee compliance principles and transparency
Risk mitigation

RON does not replace the need for foundational competence. It requires it.

Professional. Compliant. New Jersey focused.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Jersey allow Remote Online Notarization?

Yes. New Jersey authorizes remote notarization under its notary law framework.

Is RON easier than paper notarization?

No. The same legal requirements apply, and RON adds technology and retention obligations.

Do I need to keep a recording of a remote notarization?

Yes, remote notarizations have audio-visual record retention requirements.

Are RON fees capped in New Jersey?

The State Treasurer has not set a specific maximum fee per remote notarization, and fee transparency is essential.