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Want to improve the accessibility of legal services for all?

Remote online notarization is doing it. But, for decades, high barriers to notarization have been one of the greatest impediments to people accessing essential legal services.

So, what’s the big deal?

Traditionally, people had to physically appear before a notary, complete travel time, and schedule around business hours to get documents notarized. This creates huge accessibility problems for people with disabilities, mobility issues, or anyone who lives in a rural area.

Enter remote online notarization (RON).

What you’ll learn:

• Definition of Remote Online Notarization
• Remote Online Notarization Legal Landscape Today
• Accessibility and People Who Are Underserved by Traditional Notarization
• Technology and Security Requirements
• Best Practices for Implementing Remote Online Notarization

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

Remote online notarization allows individuals to notarize documents electronically through video conferencing and digital signatures without having to be physically present with the notary public.

The process involves connecting with a commissioned notary through a secure video platform, verifying your identity, and completing the notarization electronically. The entire transaction occurs online — no travel necessary.

Why is RON different?

RON platforms use advanced identity verification techniques such as knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis to verify the signatory’s identity. The notary witness your signature in real time through encrypted video technology. Every session is digitally recorded and stored securely to meet legal record-keeping requirements.

Remote online notarization is not only convenient — it’s revolutionizing access to notary services.

The Legal Landscape Today

Did you know…

An incredible 88% of all states allow some form of remote online notarization. That means 45 states plus the District of Columbia have enabled this technology.

Legislative action to enable RON has been moving quickly. California, Massachusetts, and Illinois are just three states that enacted RON laws in 2024. California in particular — the most populous state in the nation — is rolling out statewide RON capability through a phased implementation plan.

Usage statistics are also impressive. Nationwide providers such as NotaryCam reported over 154,000 RON transactions in 2024 alone, including a 26% increase in RON transactions related to loss mitigation.

But wait, there’s more…

The legal barriers to notarization have long been one of the top three most cited obstacles in national access to justice research. However, state legal barriers are far from the only reason people struggle to access notary services.

Breaking Down Accessibility Barriers

Inaccessibility is a huge problem with traditional in-person notarization services. If you use a wheelchair, live in a rural community, or work night shifts, notary services may be challenging or downright impossible for you to access. Remote online notarization removes all of these barriers.

Accessibility is improved in three key ways:

• Geographic barriers are eliminated completely. Rural residents don’t need to travel hours to the nearest notary.
• Mobility concerns are no longer a factor. People with disabilities can access notary services from home.
• Time constraints disappear. Most RON services are available 24/7.

Companies like Superior Notary Services remote notary are paving the way for professional remote notarization to serve clients regardless of their location or mobility challenges. They are showing how remote online notarization can be done in a secure, legally compliant way that prioritizes accessibility.

All of this matters because just 3% of the web is accessible to people with disabilities, according to one study. RON platforms are an opportunity to build truly inclusive experiences.

Technology and Security Features

Let’s talk tech:

Remote online notarization is secure and safe. Providers use AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, and tamper-evident digital seals to keep identity data and notarized documents safe. The most robust RON platforms use advanced identity verification techniques, including knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis.

The leading remote online notarization providers all prioritize accessibility in the technology and design of their platforms.

• Screen reader compatibility for blind or visually impaired users
• Keyboard navigation support for users unable to use a mouse
• High contrast modes and adjustable text sizes for low-vision users
• Simple, intuitive interfaces that minimize cognitive load

Every single RON session is also recorded and stored for at least 10 years in most states. This creates an auditable trail that offers even greater security than traditional notarization.

Accessibility for the Underserved

Let’s take a look at a real world example.

Picture a person recovering from surgery that still needs to notarize important financial documents. Traditional notarization would require them to arrange transportation, potentially take time off work, and navigate mobility/accessibility challenges at the notary’s office.

RON, however, allows this person to complete the entire process from the comfort of their own bed using a tablet or smartphone.

Or consider elderly individuals who may have transportation challenges or limited mobility. Remote online notarization allows them to manage their own important legal documents without having to rely on family members for rides or risk their safety by driving to appointments.

Businesses also benefit:

Clients report that companies using RON process documents faster, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. RON technology is highly scalable — a single notary can serve clients across multiple states and time zones.

Best Practices for Implementation

When it comes to implementing RON, there are some best practices that will help ensure a smooth and successful transition. Let’s take a look at some key considerations.

First and foremost, platform selection is critical. Providers should evaluate RON platforms based on accessibility and compliance with WCAG guidelines. Testing with assistive technologies is a must.

Training your team on the technology and accessibility best practices is a must. All staff should be familiar with how to assist users with disabilities and troubleshoot common accessibility issues.

Equally important is documenting all of your platform’s accessibility features. Create detailed instructions for users with various disabilities. Ensure multiple contact methods for technical support.

Collecting feedback and continuously improving your RON implementation is vital. Seek input from users with disabilities and make ongoing adjustments.

Legal requirements will differ from state to state. Collaborating with experienced legal counsel is key to compliance with your local jurisdiction’s rules.

The Future of Remote Online Notarization

The future of remote online notarization is very bright.

Congressional legislation in the form of the SECURE Notarization Act aims to establish federal standards for RON nationwide. This would set uniform rules for all 50 states.

Market research shows the Remote Online Notary Service Market size could grow from $101 million to $339 million between 2020 and 2025. That’s a projected compound annual growth rate of 28%.

But growth is about more than market size:

RON has the potential to help shrink the justice gap by making notarization accessible to people who are currently underserved. RON will become the norm as more states pass enabling legislation.

TL;DR

Remote online notarization is transforming the accessibility of legal services by removing geographic, mobility, and scheduling barriers. Remote online notarization technology has been tried and tested, proven, secure, and highly scalable.

Providers that prioritize accessible platforms, train staff, and focus on inclusive design will have an edge and be able to serve more clients than ever before. For customers, it means being able to access vital legal services without the traditional barriers and roadblocks.

The technology is here. The legal framework exists. The only question is how quickly legal service providers will adopt and embrace this game-changing innovation.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

[email protected]