Key Takeaways
- SB 696 establishes a phased rollout of remote online notarization (RON) in California
- Phase 1 (Jan 1, 2024): California recognizes out-of-state RON acts
- Phase 2 (Jan 1, 2025): Platform jurisdiction and consumer protections take effect
- Full RON (Jan 1, 2030): California notaries may perform remote online notarization
- RON is NOT yet available for California notaries as of 2025
SB 696 — California Online Notarization Act
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a notary to perform notarizations over a live audio-video connection, with signers appearing via webcam rather than in person. Most states have already adopted RON, but California has taken a cautious, phased approach.
SB 696, the California Online Notarization Act, establishes the framework for RON in California—but with a timeline that stretches to 2030 before California notaries can actually perform RON.
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
| Traditional Notarization | Remote Online Notarization (RON) |
|---|---|
| Signer physically present | Signer appears via live audio-video |
| Paper documents | Electronic documents |
| Ink signatures | Electronic signatures |
| Physical seal | Electronic seal |
| In-person identity verification | Digital identity verification + knowledge-based authentication |
The Phased Rollout
SB 696 implements RON in three phases:
Phase 1: Recognition (Effective January 1, 2024)
California began recognizing RON acts performed by notaries in other states.
| What This Means | What This Does NOT Mean |
|---|---|
| Documents notarized via RON in other states are accepted in California | California notaries can perform RON |
| Out-of-state RON documents can be recorded in California counties | California has its own RON platform |
| California courts accept RON-notarized documents | The in-person requirement is eliminated for California notaries |
Practical Impact: A deed notarized via RON by a Virginia notary can now be recorded in California. Previously, some California counties rejected RON-notarized documents.
Phase 2: Platform and Consumer Protections (Effective January 1, 2025)
This phase establishes the regulatory framework:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Platform standards | Technology platforms must meet security requirements |
| Consumer protections | Signers must be informed of their rights |
| Jurisdiction | Establishes which state's laws govern the RON session |
| Recording requirements | Audio-video sessions must be recorded and retained |
| Data security | Electronic records must be protected |
Phase 3: Full RON for California Notaries (Effective January 1, 2030)
This is when California notaries will finally be able to perform RON:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Additional education | 2-hour RON-specific course required |
| Increased bond | $25,000 bond (up from $15,000 for traditional notarization) |
| Electronic journal | Must maintain an electronic journal for RON acts |
| Audio-video recording | Must record and retain all RON sessions for 10 years |
| Maximum fee | $30 per RON notarization |
| Technology platform | Must use an approved RON technology platform |
| Identity verification | Must use knowledge-based authentication AND credential analysis |
Current Status (2025)
California notaries CANNOT perform RON as of 2025. Here is what you need to know:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I perform RON now? | NO — not until January 1, 2030 |
| Can I accept out-of-state RON documents? | YES — since January 1, 2024 |
| Should I prepare for RON? | Yes — begin learning about the technology |
| Will my current commission work for RON? | No — you will need additional education and a higher bond |
Exam Tip: The most tested point about RON is that California notaries CANNOT yet perform RON. Know the 2030 date and the additional requirements.
RON Requirements (Effective 2030)
When RON becomes available to California notaries, the requirements will include:
Education
- Complete the standard notary education (6 hours for new, 3 hours for renewal)
- PLUS an additional 2-hour RON-specific course covering:
- Technology platform operation
- Electronic identity verification
- Electronic journal and record keeping
- Audio-video recording procedures
- Security and fraud prevention
Bond
| Notarization Type | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Traditional only | $15,000 |
| Traditional + RON | $25,000 |
Electronic Journal
RON notaries must maintain an electronic journal (separate from or in addition to the traditional journal) containing:
- All standard journal entry information
- Electronic signatures of signers
- Reference to the audio-video recording
- Technology platform identification
Audio-Video Recording Retention
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| What to record | Entire RON session (audio and video) |
| Retention period | 10 years |
| Storage | Secure, tamper-evident digital storage |
| Access | Available for law enforcement and legal proceedings |
Maximum Fee
The maximum fee for a RON notarization is $30 per signature. This is higher than the traditional maximum of $15, reflecting the additional technology and compliance costs.
On the Exam
Expect 2-3 questions on SB 696 and RON. Key points:
- Current status: California notaries CANNOT perform RON (not until 2030)
- Out-of-state RON: Recognized in California since January 1, 2024
- RON bond: $25,000 (compared to $15,000 for traditional)
- RON education: Additional 2-hour course required
- Recording retention: 10 years for audio-video recordings
- Maximum RON fee: $30 per signature
- Phased approach: 2024 recognition → 2025 framework → 2030 full RON
As of 2025, can a California notary perform remote online notarization (RON)?
What is the required bond amount for a California notary who will perform RON?
How long must a California RON notary retain audio-video recordings of RON sessions?
What is the maximum fee a California notary may charge for a RON notarization?