The Step-by-Step Guide to Your First RON Appointment

Remote online notarization might sound futuristic, but it's becoming the standard way people get documents notarized without leaving home. If you've never done a RON session before, the technology and process can seem intimidating. What equipment do you need? How does the notary verify your identity through a screen? What happens if your internet connection drops mid-session?
​
The good news is that RON is designed to be user-friendly, and once you understand the steps involved, it's often easier and more convenient than traditional notarization. Whether you're notarizing a real estate document, power of attorney, or affidavit, knowing what to expect during your first remote online notarization helps everything go smoothly. Let's walk through the entire process from start to finish.
Preparing for Your RON Appointment

1. Check if Your Document Qualifies for RON
Not all documents can be notarized remotely, and requirements vary by state. Most states allow RON for real estate documents, powers of attorney, business agreements, and affidavits. However, some states exclude certain documents like wills or restrict RON for specific transaction types. Before scheduling your appointment, confirm with the notary that your document can be handled through remote online notarization. If you're working with a lender or title company, they'll usually tell you if RON is acceptable for your transaction.

2. Gather Your Government-Issued Photo ID
You'll need a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for identity verification. Acceptable IDs typically include driver's licenses, state ID cards, and passports. The ID must be current—expired IDs won't work even if they expired recently. Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on the document you're signing. If there's a discrepancy due to marriage or legal name change, have supporting documentation like a marriage certificate ready just in case.
3. Ensure You Have the Right Technology
RON requires a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection. Most platforms work best on computers or tablets rather than phones due to screen size. You'll need a modern web browser—Chrome or Safari typically work best. Make sure your device's camera and microphone are functioning and that you're in a well-lit area where the notary can clearly see your face and ID. Test your internet speed beforehand; a weak connection can cause frustrating delays or disconnections.

4. Find a Quiet, Private Location
Choose a location where you won't be interrupted during the session. Background noise from TVs, music, or other people can interfere with the notary's ability to hear you clearly, which is required for administering oaths. Privacy matters too—you're handling sensitive legal documents and sharing personal information, so avoid public spaces like coffee shops. A home office, bedroom, or quiet room works perfectly.

During Your RON Appointment
5. The Identity Verification Process
This is where RON differs most from traditional notarization. The platform uses advanced technology to verify your identity before the notary ever appears on screen. You'll typically hold your ID up to the camera so the system can scan and analyze it for authenticity, checking security features and comparing the information to databases. Then you'll take a selfie that the system compares to your ID photo using facial recognition technology. Some platforms also ask knowledge-based authentication questions pulled from your credit history or public records—questions only you should be able to answer.

6. Meeting the Notary via Video
Once your identity is verified, you'll connect with the notary via live video conference. The notary will greet you, confirm they can see and hear you clearly, and verify your identity one more time by comparing your face to your ID. They'll explain the notarization process and what documents you'll be signing. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the process, though notaries cannot provide legal advice about the documents themselves.

7. Reviewing and Signing Documents Electronically
The notary will share the documents on your screen for you to review. Take your time reading through everything—don't let technology rush you. When you're ready to sign, you'll use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on touch screens) to create an electronic signature on each required signature line. The platform timestamps each signature and creates a tamper-evident seal so any changes after signing would be detected. For affidavits or sworn statements, the notary will administer an oath via video where you swear or affirm the information is true.

8. The Notary Completes the Notarial Certificate
After you've signed all required spots, the notary completes their portion electronically. They fill in the notarial certificate with the date, location (usually their location, not yours), type of notarial act, and their commission information. Then they apply their electronic notary seal and signature. This digital seal is legally equivalent to the traditional ink stamp and includes security features that prevent tampering.

9. Session Recording and Storage
Here's something unique to RON: the entire session is recorded audio and video. This recording becomes part of the permanent record and must be stored securely for a period specified by state law—often 5-10 years. The recording provides an undeniable record of the notarization taking place and protects everyone involved from fraud or disputes. You won't have access to this recording, but it's stored by the notary or the RON platform as required by law.

After Your RON Appointment
10. Receiving Your Notarized Documents
Once the session is complete, you'll receive the fully executed, notarized documents electronically. Most platforms email you a PDF with the notary's seal and signature embedded. This electronic version is legally valid and can be submitted to courts, government agencies, lenders, or whoever requires the notarized document. Some situations may require a certified paper copy printed from the electronic original—your notary or the receiving party can tell you if this is necessary.

11. Submitting Documents to Required Parties
If you're working with a lender, attorney, or government agency, they'll provide instructions for submitting your notarized documents. Some accept email attachments, others require uploads to secure portals, and some still want physical copies mailed. Follow their specific requirements carefully. The electronic nature of RON documents makes submission faster than traditional mail, which is one of the major advantages of remote notarization.

Common RON Technical Issues and Solutions
Technology occasionally creates hiccups during RON sessions. If your internet connection drops, don't panic—most platforms let you reconnect and continue where you left off. If the platform can't read your ID, try adjusting lighting or camera angle. If you're having trouble creating an electronic signature, ask the notary to walk you through it step by step. Professional RON notaries are experienced with these issues and can troubleshoot most problems quickly.

If you fail knowledge-based authentication questions, it doesn't mean you can't proceed—it just means the platform couldn't verify you that way. The notary can often use alternative verification methods or you might need to switch to traditional in-person notarization.

Why RON Is Often Easier Than Traditional Notarization
Despite the technology involved, many people find RON more convenient than traditional notarization. There's no driving to a notary's office or waiting for a mobile notary to arrive. You can schedule sessions during lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends without leaving home. For people with mobility issues, young children, or demanding schedules, RON removes significant barriers. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes from start to finish, and you have your notarized documents immediately rather than waiting for physical copies.

Your first remote online notarization might feel unfamiliar, but thousands of people complete RON sessions daily for everything from real estate closings to powers of attorney. The technology is secure, the process is straightforward, and the convenience is unmatched.
​
At Notary2Notary, we offer professional remote online notarization services with experienced notaries who make the technology easy to navigate. We'll walk you through every step of your first RON appointment and handle any technical issues that arise. Our platform is secure, user-friendly, and compliant with all state requirements.
Visit www.notary2notary.com to schedule your remote online notarization and experience the convenience of getting documents notarized from anywhere.