The California Secretary of State has advised that Californians may continue to obtain California-valid notarizations by using a properly commissioned out-of-state remote online notary. While California has enacted legislation authorizing Remote Online Notarization (RON), California-commissioned notaries are not yet permitted to perform online notarizations because implementing rules and approved technology are still pending. As a result, full in-state RON availability may take several more years, potentially as late as 2030.
What California’s RON Law Means in Practice
California passed Senate Bill 696, formally authorizing Remote Online Notarization and signaling a long-term shift away from strict physical-presence requirements. However, the law requires the Secretary of State to complete a substantial implementation process, including rulemaking, technology approval, and system development, before California notaries can perform RON themselves. Until that process is complete, California-commissioned notaries must continue to notarize documents in person.
How Californians Can Notarize Documents Online Today
Even though in-state RON is not yet operational, Californians are not prevented from using remote online notarization. Documents notarized by an out-of-state notary who is properly commissioned and authorized to perform RON under their home state’s laws are generally valid for use in California. This allows individuals, businesses, and attorneys to complete notarizations online now, without waiting for California’s internal rollout.
Bottom Line
California has authorized Remote Online Notarization, but its own notaries are still awaiting final rules and approved technology. In the meantime, Californians can lawfully obtain California-valid notarizations through qualified out-of-state remote online notaries, ensuring continued access to secure, compliant online notarization while the state completes its implementation process.