It’s 2024, and the world is going digital. You need a document notarized, but the thought of driving across town, finding parking, and waiting in line fills you with dread. This is where a California remote notary comes in. You may be wondering, is remote notary California even legal? Or how much it costs, and how to find a qualified remote notary. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the exciting new world of remote notary services in California.

Remote Online Notarization in California: A Game Changer

For years, Californians had to rely on traditional, in-person notarizations. However, the landscape shifted with the passing of Senate Bill 696 in 2023. While the law is not yet in full effect, it paves the way for remote online notarization (RON) to be officially implemented in California by January 1, 2030 – or sooner if the Secretary of State finalizes the necessary technology project beforehand. This new legislation has many wondering if their documents can be notarized online in California.

How Senate Bill 696 Will Transform Notarization in California

Senate Bill 696, also known as SB 696, represents a significant step forward in modernizing notary services in California. The California notary law requires notaries to follow specific rules. Here’s how the passing of Senate Bill 696 impacts the future of California remote notaries:

• Allows California notaries to provide their services online, leveraging technology to safeguard against fraud and protect both notaries and signers.
• Sets clear standards for both in-person and RON, ensuring legal validity and boosting consumer confidence.
• Makes document verification more straightforward for counties and other officials.
• Increases access and affordability of notary services for individuals who may face challenges with location, disability, time constraints, or language barriers.
• Implements privacy safeguards for sensitive data generated during the notarization process, while upholding the state’s existing privacy laws.
• Introduces consumer protections that foster a responsible vendor ecosystem.

With SB 696 becoming law, notaries public in California will have the opportunity to register with the state, receive specialized training in RON, and utilize secure online platforms to conduct their duties. It’s exciting to see a state known for tech innovation embrace the benefits of online notarization. California law requires that specific criteria are met for a document to be legally notarized.

NOTE: As of October 3, 2024, California recognizes properly-executed Remote Online Notarization (RON) documents notarized by notaries in jurisdictions where RON is legal, allowing out-of-state notaries to notarize documents for California real estate transactions. While California notaries are not yet permitted to perform RON, they are expected to gain this capability by January 1, 2030, or earlier if the necessary technology project is completed sooner.

Will Documents Notarized Online in Other States Be Accepted in California?

California’s stance on notarizations performed outside of its borders is important. If you have a document notarized online in another state that has authorized RON, it will likely be accepted in California. California Civil Code 1189(b) recognizes notarizations conducted according to the laws of other states. This means that online notarization is legal in California if the notary is located in a state that allows it. This reciprocal recognition eases interstate transactions and adds another layer of practicality to the use of California remote notary services, even before California’s RON system fully takes effect.

The Future Landscape of Remote Notary California

California’s shift toward embracing RON highlights a national trend. This new legislation has prompted many to seek out a notary online. More states are recognizing the efficiency and accessibility online notarization offers, paving the way for smoother processes for everyone. California is joining this movement to bring the notary process firmly into the digital age, though implementation will occur in phases. While Californians may have to be a bit patient for the system to be fully up and running, it’s exciting to see remote notary California become a reality.

Navigating the Transition

The period leading up to the complete implementation of RON in California will likely see further adjustments to procedures, with more specific details about notary registration, platform approval, and specific requirements. Until that happens, California residents can use RON services from other states. It’s important to understand that while notaries in other states can provide RON services to Californians, notaries based in California cannot perform RON legally until the state’s program goes live. If you are seeking document notarization, you may have questions about the process for online notarization.

Why the Move Toward RON Matters

The move to legalize California remote notary is a victory for efficiency, convenience, and accessibility. It streamlines business transactions, empowers people with mobility challenges, and increases flexibility. The National Notary Association advocates for RON as it modernizes notarial acts while ensuring they are secure. Consider the example of someone living in a remote part of California, with limited access to notary services. With RON, they can notarize crucial documents from their own home, saving time, effort, and resources. A mobile notary offers similar convenience but is still limited by geographic location.

Frequently Asked Questions about remote notary California

Can I notarize remotely in California?

While Senate Bill 696 has made RON legal, it will not be fully implemented in California until January 1, 2030, or potentially earlier if certain conditions are met. As such, California-based notaries currently cannot perform RONs. However, California notaries can perform in-person notarizations. But don’t worry. Californians can utilize remote notary services from providers in other states that allow RON.

How much do remote notaries make in California?

Since RON is not yet officially implemented in California, it’s difficult to say what a California-based remote notary might earn. However, the traditional fee for in-person notarizations is $15 per signature. Once the RON system is active, we can expect clarity about compensation, and factors such as platform fees and market competition will also come into play. The surety bond a notary public obtains protects against potential errors or misconduct.

How much does an online notary cost in California?

At this point, as California is in a transition phase towards RON, the cost for online notarization varies. It will likely depend on the RON service provider chosen (based outside California for the time being) and the type of documents needing notarization. There are various platforms that a notary online may use for performing online notarizations.

What is the new notary law in California?

The new notary law, Senate Bill 696 or the “Online Notarization Act,” signed into law by Governor Newsom in 2023, will enable remote online notarization by January 1, 2030, if not earlier. It includes measures for secure audio-visual communication during remote notarizations, ensuring signer identity verification, protecting privacy and consumer rights, and fostering a responsible market for RON services. These online notarization legal guidelines are designed to bring California in line with other states that have already implemented similar legislation, like South Dakota and South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Notaries in California

Do you still have questions about how to get a document notarized online in California? Here are some answers that can help.

Can you get something notarized online in California?

Yes, even though California does not yet have fully enacted legislation for remote online notarization by California notaries, residents of California can get documents notarized online by an out-of-state notary who is legally able to perform these notarial acts. For instance, you could use a remote online notary from a state like North Carolina.

Is online notarization legal in California?

Yes, but there’s a catch. While Governor Newsom signed the bill to make online notarization legal in 2023, RON services performed by notaries in California won’t be valid until January 1, 2030. However, documents notarized online by a commissioned notary in another state where it is legal, will be recognized by California. This means that you can get your documents notarized online legally right now by an out-of-state notary.

What does a California online notary do?

A California online notary, once the law is in full effect, will perform the same duties as a traditional notary, just online. They will identify signers through a secure online platform using audio-visual technology. The platform confirms their identity using credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication. The notary online will then witness the signing of the document and add their digital notary seal and signature. Online notarization platforms help deter fraud and meet industry standards. This online notarial session is recorded and stored securely for your protection.

What are the benefits of a remote online notary in California?

There are many benefits to using a remote notary in California. It is much more convenient than finding and traveling to a local notary public, you can do it from anywhere you have an internet connection, and it can often be cheaper. Additionally, you can choose from a wider pool of notaries, so you are more likely to find one who is available when you need them. This can be especially helpful if you need something notarized outside of normal business hours. You can even use a mobile notary app for more flexibility. It also allows you to get documents notarized if you live in a more remote area, like Moreno Valley or as far south as Chula Vista, without needing to travel.

What documents can a California remote online notary notarize?

California remote online notaries, once they are able to perform this service in 2030, will be able to notarize the same documents as traditional notaries. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Powers of attorney.
• Wills and trusts.
• Deeds and mortgages.
• Contracts and agreements.
• Affidavits.

Remote notaries make the process of getting documents notarized much more convenient, especially in real estate transactions.

Conclusion

California, like many states, recognizes that it’s time for change when it comes to traditional notarization services, and this includes the evolution of notary procedures. The approval of Senate Bill 696 marks a huge step toward more efficient, secure, and convenient ways of getting documents notarized, bringing with it numerous benefits. This move toward RON has exciting implications for individuals and businesses alike, ensuring secure and smooth legal transactions.

While Californians might have a short wait ahead for a full California remote notary system, the benefits are certainly something to anticipate. Secure digital platforms will empower notaries, enhance signer protection, and improve the ease and accessibility of notary services across California. RON will significantly benefit the Golden State. While 2030 might seem distant, the groundwork laid by SB 696 is exciting, setting a path for smoother, more efficient legal transactions through remote notarization.