Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Technology Requirements
RON authorization and setup
Louisiana permits remote online notarization only for notaries who hold a valid Louisiana commission, are physically located in Louisiana during the session, register with the Secretary of State, and use an approved RON provider. The system must support real-time audio-video, identity proofing, electronic signatures, and a tamper-evident electronic seal. The notary must keep an electronic journal and retain the recording for the statutory period.
Identity and session rules
The notary must verify the principal’s identity by personal knowledge or by government-issued photo ID plus credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, or another approved method. The principal must appear live on camera; the notary must confirm the signer can see and hear the session and is not coerced. The recording must capture the entire interaction. The notary applies the electronic seal and certificate after the signature is complete.
Limits
RON does not override Civil Code formalities. Acts that require physical presence, special witnesses, or in-person reading-such as certain testamentary acts-must be done in person unless the statute expressly allows remote execution. A notary may not use email, scanned signatures, or a recorded video alone as a substitute for a live RON session.
Worked example
A principal in Texas signs a power of attorney before a Baton Rouge notary via an approved RON platform. The notary checks a Texas driver’s license, completes identity proofing, records the session, and applies an electronic seal. The act is valid if the power of attorney is not an excluded instrument and all Civil Code signing formalities are met.
Traps
Acting from outside Louisiana. Skipping the recording or journal. Treating a scanned notarization as RON. Assuming RON is valid for wills or other excluded acts.