Key Takeaways
- Montana authorized RON effective October 1, 2019
- Notary must be physically located in Montana; signer can be anywhere
- Requires real-time, two-way audio and video communication
- Identity verification through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication
- Must use approved technology platform and maintain recordings
Last updated: January 2026
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Montana authorized Remote Online Notarization effective October 1, 2019, allowing notaries to perform certain acts through audio-video technology.
Types of Technology-Based Notarizations
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional | In-person with physical documents |
| IPEN | In-person with electronic documents |
| Remote | Signer at different location using audio-video |
| RON | Remote + electronic documents + e-signature |
RON Requirements
Location
| Party | Location Requirement |
|---|---|
| Notary | Must be physically in Montana |
| Signer | Can be anywhere in the world |
Technology Requirements
- Real-time, two-way audio and video communication
- Must use approved technology platform
- Platform must meet Secretary of State standards
- Notary cannot be required to use a specific platform
Identity Verification for RON
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Credential Analysis | Technology reviews ID document for authenticity |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) | Signer answers personal questions from databases |
| Secondary Method | Additional verification as required |
Note: The notary has final authority to accept or deny identification in any RON transaction.
Electronic Seal and Signature
For RON, notaries must use:
- Electronic seal — Exact copy of their ink stamp design
- Electronic signature — Photocopy of their "wet" signature
Journal Requirements for RON
In addition to standard journal entries, RON requires:
| Entry | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Use of communication technology | Note that RON was used |
| Platform used | Name of technology platform |
| Recording storage | Location where recording is stored |
Approved Technology Platforms
- Check sosmt.gov for current list of approved platforms
- Contact sosnotary@mt.gov for platforms not listed
- Notary may use multiple approved platforms
Fees for RON
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard notarial act | $10 maximum |
| RON additional fee | Reasonable fee by agreement |
| Travel fees | Not applicable (remote) |
Acts Available via RON
- Acknowledgments
- Verifications on oath or affirmation (jurats)
- Other acts as permitted by Secretary of State rules
On the Exam
- Notary in Montana: Notary must be physically in Montana
- Signer anywhere: Signer can be located anywhere
- Two-way audio-video: Real-time communication required
- KBA: Knowledge-based authentication for identity
- Recordings required: Must maintain audiovisual recordings
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Test Your Knowledge
For Remote Online Notarization in Montana, where must the notary be located?
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Test Your Knowledge
What identity verification methods are typically used for RON?
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