remote online notary association

IPEN, or In-Person Electronic Notarization, follows the same process as traditional notarization, with one key difference: rather than using paper documents, the process occurs digitally on a tablet, phone, or laptop. Both the signer and the Notary still meet face-to-face as usual, review and validate the documents on a digital device (such as a computer or smartphone), and utilize digital signatures instead of ink ones.

State Requirements

Every state maintains its distinct set of regulations and protocols concerning In-Person Electronic Notarization.

In all states and Washington, D.C., except for New York, In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) is permissible under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. While not all states have implemented specific laws governing IPEN, you can find relevant information for each state's current stance.

• Alabama  

This state currently lacks established legislation concerning IPENs. This page will be promptly revised upon the release of further details.

• Alaska 

Notaries aiming to perform IPENs in Alaska are required to notify the Lieutenant Governor about their intention to notarize electronic documents. They must also specify the tamper-evident technology they intend to utilize. Additionally, regulations established by the Lieutenant Governor permit notaries to utilize an electronic official seal during IPEN procedures.

• Arizona 

To conduct IPENs, individuals must hold an active commission as a traditional Notary Public. They must also familiarize themselves with the Electronic Notary Rules, reach out to a technology provider (the Secretary of State offers a list of vendors, although Notaries can choose any compliant provider), and complete the registration application specifying their chosen vendor. Arizona Application

• Arkansas 

Notaries in good standing, holding a current commission as a traditional Notary Public, have the opportunity to become Electronic Notaries and conduct IPENs by: Solution Provider

• 1. Completing the online application for an Electronic Notary Commission.
  2. Submitting the $25 application fee.
  3. Successfully finishing a training course sanctioned by the Secretary of State.
  4. Passing the associated examination.
  5. Registering with a solution provider approved by Arkansas.

  
  

• California 

Notaries possessing a current and valid commission are authorized to conduct IPENs (In-Person Electronic Notarizations) in California. To proceed, they must acquire an electronic seal from a vendor approved by the state. Regarding electronic real property documents, the Notary's electronic signature can substitute for an electronic seal if it contains:

• Colorado 

When engaging in IPEN activities in Colorado, Notaries must inform the Secretary of State of their intentions and specify the technology they intend to employ using a designated form. It's feasible to simultaneously apply for a commission and provide this notification. Additionally, each Notary is required to obtain a set of Document Authentication Numbers (DANs) from the Secretary, which must serve as a unique identifier for every IPEN transaction. Notaries have the option to utilize a DAN as their official signature or combine it with an electronic signature. In the latter scenario, they must furnish the Secretary of State with an example of this signature, along with a description of its technology and the contact details of its supplier/vendor. Furthermore, all official signatures must include:

1. "Notary Public" and "State of Colorado" 
2. Expiry date of the commission
3. Their name exactly as stated in their commission
4. Identification number
   
5. Document authentication number provided by the Secretary

**Finally, it is mandatory to use an official stamp when conducting IPENs.

• Connecticut 

Connecticut currently does not have legislation in place regarding IPENs. Rest assured, we will update this page promptly as soon as new information becomes available.

• Delaware  

Notaries seeking to perform IPENs need an Electronic Notary Public commission. However, based on our current knowledge, Delaware is not currently accepting requests for Electronic Notary Commissions. We will ensure to provide updates on this page as soon as more information becomes available.

• District of Columbia 

To qualify for conducting In-Person Remote Notarization, Notaries must fulfill several requirements. This includes completing a Mayor-approved training course, swearing the prescribed oath for civil officers, and choosing a tamper-evident technology provider. Additionally, they must submit samples of their electronic signature and official seal. As of now, the District is not accepting applications for IPENs.

• Florida 

Notaries holding a valid commission are eligible to perform IPENs. For the process, the Notary must possess a distinct electronic signature, exclusive to them and maintained solely by the Notary. This signature should be verifiable and linked to the document in a way that any alterations are immediately apparent, connecting it to the Notary on the commission.

Application or affixing of the electronic signature or seal can be facilitated through a public key certificate or an Electronic Notary System.

• Georgia 

Georgia has not yet enacted legislation concerning IPENs. Rest assured, we will keep this page current and provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.

• Hawaii  

Notaries holding a valid commission are required to notify the Attorney General of their intent to conduct In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) and detail the tamper-evident technology they employ. Additionally, they are obligated to utilize an electronic stamp associated with or integrated into the certificate of notarial act for IPEN procedures.

• Idaho  

Notaries planning to conduct IPEN in Idaho are required to complete an "Authorization for Electronic/Remote Online Notarization" form through the Secretary of State's website. To associate their electronic signature and official stamp with an electronic record pertinent to a notarial act, the Notary must utilize or affix a digital certificate.

• Illinois 

According to the new legislation, "electronic notarization" encompasses notarial acts conducted using electronic signatures and Notary seals, wherein the Notary and signer are situated in different locations but engage in audio-video communication. The Illinois Secretary of State has clarified that within the state, "electronic notarization" encompasses "in-person electronic notarizations" (IPEN) as well.

For individuals, whether existing Notaries or first-time applicants, seeking to conduct electronic notarizations, obtaining an additional Electronic Notary commission is necessary. However, applying for this commission remains optional. Individuals have the flexibility to apply for both commissions concurrently, or an existing Notary can pursue an Electronic Notary commission at any point during their current Notary Public commission term. It's important to note that both Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public commissions share the same identification number and expiration date.

• Indiana 

Any Notary Public holding a valid commission is authorized to conduct In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN). However, it is mandatory for them to employ a digital certificate to ensure the tamper-evident integrity of electronically notarized records. Additionally, when performing IPEN in Indiana, Notaries must utilize an electronic seal as part of the process.

• Iowa 

Notaries seeking to conduct In-Person Electronic Notarizations (IPENs) are required to notify the Secretary of State of their intent to initiate such services. Additionally, they must specify the tamper-evident technology they intend to employ during the IPEN process.

• Kansas  

Mandates several requirements for Notaries intending to perform In-Person Electronic Notarizations (IPENs), including:

1. Completion of a state-approved training course.
2. Passing an examination.
3. Utilizing a tamper-evident technology solution sanctioned by the Secretary of State.
4. Submission of a Notary Public Change of Status form (Form NC) to inform the Secretary of State of their intention to conduct IPENs.

For those already commissioned, a $20 information and services fee is applicable. Alternatively, individuals applying for a commission and seeking to perform IPENs may opt to submit a Notary Public Appointment Form (Form NO), incurring a fee of $45 for both commission and IPEN privileges.

• Kentucky  

To perform In-Person Electronic Notarizations (IPENs) in Kentucky, individuals must follow these steps:

1. Register online with the Secretary of State and select one or more tamper-evident technologies. These technologies must utilize a digital certificate compliant with the X.509 standard endorsed by the International Telecommunication Union or a similar industry-standard technology.

2. While using an electronic official stamp is not obligatory, if chosen, it must be unique and consistently utilized for all IPENs. In the absence of an official stamp, ensure that the certificate of notarial act includes:

   • Your name as listed on your commission
   • Title "Notary Public"
   • Your commission number and expiration date

3. Lastly, attaching or logically associating your electronic signature and official stamp (if applicable) to an electronic record necessitates a digital certificate.

• Louisiana 

Currently lacks specific legislation governing In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN). We are committed to providing updates promptly as new information becomes available in this regard.      

• Maine  

Currently lacks specific legislation governing In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN). We are committed to providing updates promptly as new information becomes available in this regard.

• Maryland 

Notaries intending to conduct electronic notarizations must formally inform the Secretary of State and specify the tamper-evident technology provider they've chosen. These Notaries must employ a digital certificate adhering to the X.509 standard, as recognized by the International Telecommunication Union or a comparable industry-standard technology. This ensures the secure attachment or connection of their official stamp and electronic signature to each digital record.      

• Massachusetts  

Massachusetts currently lacks dedicated legislation for the management or regulation of In-Person Electronic Notarization. We remain committed to promptly updating any developments regarding new enactments in this area.

• Michigan  

Individuals currently holding a Notary commission or in the process of applying may be eligible for In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) by selecting an electronic notarization platform from the state's approved vendor list.

To initiate the process, active commission holders are required to complete the Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form, while initial applicants or those renewing their commission should fill out the Notary Application and Instructions form.

Additionally, providing essential information about the chosen provider is mandatory. Once this information is approved and recorded by the Department of State, Notaries can commence performing In-Person Electronic Notarizations.

• Minnesota  

Notaries with a valid commission can seek authorization to perform In-Person Electronic Notarizations (IPENs). As part of this process, they must select a tamper-evident technology and notify the Minnesota Secretary of State accordingly.

During IPENs, Notaries have the option to utilize an electronic official stamp. Alternatively, they can sign and date a Certification of Notarial Act, including their title and commission expiration. This certificate must also clearly denote the jurisdiction where the notarial act takes place.

• Mississippi  

To conduct In-Person Electronic Notarization in Mississippi, Notaries must possess an active and unrestricted Notary Public commission. Additionally, they are required to submit the appropriate registration form to the Mississippi Secretary of State.

Upon validation of their submission, Notaries must then select an electronic notarization system that fulfills all state requirements. This system should facilitate the affixation of their electronic Notary seal and support the use of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) digital certificate.

• Missouri  

In order to conduct In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) in Missouri, Notaries must possess a valid Notary Public commission.

Notaries in Missouri are obligated to participate in a training course and successfully pass an examination. Additionally, they are required to complete and submit an electronic registration form to the Secretary of State.

For IPEN procedures, Missouri Notaries are mandated to utilize electronic signatures and seals, which must be registered with the Secretary and linked to the Notary. It is imperative that Notaries maintain sole control over these signatures and seals.