Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON requirements
Remote online notarization is a notarial act performed using communication technology instead of physical presence. The exam tests the added safeguards:
- The notary must be registered with the Secretary of State as a remote notary before performing RON.
- The notary must use communication technology that provides live, real-time audio and video.
- The principal's identity must be verified through identity proofing, typically credential analysis plus identity verification.
- The notary must be physically located in New Mexico when performing the remote act.
- The audiovisual session must be recorded and retained for at least 10 years.
- A journal entry is required, including the identity-proofing method and a reference to the recording.
- The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed using communication technology.
Worked example
A principal in Arizona asks a New Mexico notary to notarize a power of attorney by video. The notary is registered for RON, is sitting in Albuquerque, uses a live audio-video platform, completes identity proofing, records the session, and journals the act. The act is permitted. If the same notary were traveling in Texas when the video call occurred, the notary would not be physically located in New Mexico and should not perform the act.
Traps
- Emailing a scanned document and talking by phone is not RON; live audio-video is required.
- Recording audio only is insufficient.
- Skipping identity proofing because the notary "knows" the principal is a common exam trap.
- Failing to journal the remote act or to note the recording reference defeats compliance.