Electronic and Remote Online Notarization: What’s the Difference?

RI notaries may not notarize digital signatures until they receive written permission to do so. RI notaries may choose to request authorization to notarize documents digitally. Rhode Island offers two options for digital notarization: Electronic Notarization and Remote Online Notarization (RON). 

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Topic Electronic
Notarization		 Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notes
Signer is physically in notary’s presence

yes

no

Electronic – notary and signer must be physically in each other’s presence.

RON – notary must be in RI; signer may be anywhere in the world.
Notary IDs signer

yes

yes

Electronic – notary uses an acceptable form of physical identification to ID signer.

RON – notary uses an acceptable form of identification and Knowledge-Based Authentication through approved solution provider to ID signer.

Notary screens signer for willingness and competency

yes

yes

Electronic – notary communicates with signer in person.

RON – notary communicates with signer via audio-visual element of approved solution provider.

Notary uses journal

yes

yes

Notarial act is automatically recorded in notary’s digital journal.

Notary uses digital stamp and seal

yes

yes

Digital stamp and seal is issued by the approved solution provider.

Notary must use approved solution provider

yes

yes

Solution providers must be approved from our office.
Notarized document is tamper-evident

yes

yes

Once a notarization is complete the document is secured and cannot be modified.
Signature of signer and notary applied digitally

yes

yes

Both the signer and the notary will affix their signatures digitally.
Notary may charge signer

yes

yes

Notary may charge a maximum of $25 per notarial act performed.

Governed by state law and Standards

yes

yes

R.I.G.L. 42-30.1

State of Rhode Island Electronic Notarization Standards.

Standards of Conduct for Notaries Public.

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