What Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely in California?

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

California residents and businesses now have more flexibility for getting documents notarized. Remote online notarization, known as RON, lets a signer complete a notarial act through audio-visual communication with a commissioned California notary public. The legal authority for this process comes from the Online Notarization Act, signed into law in late 2023. For anyone handling real estate deeds, mortgage paperwork, or sworn affidavits, understanding which documents qualify for remote notarization can prevent delays and reduce the need for in-person appointments.

How California's remote notarization law took shape

Senate Bill 696, known as the Online Notarization Act, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023. The law took effect on January 1, 2024, and authorizes California notaries to perform notarial transactions through the use of audio-visual communication and online notarization platforms. The bill is operative in stages. Government Code sections 8232 through 8232.4 and Civil Code sections 1182 and 1183 became operative on January 1, 2024. Another provision, Government Code section 8231.18, becomes operative in a later phase of the same rollout.

Under the new framework, California signers can get their documents remotely notarized online with a commissioned notary public using a mobile device or a computer webcam. That flexibility applies to many of the same documents that have traditionally required an in-person notary visit. However, because the law is still being phased in, some industry sources continue to note that California does not fully allow remote online notarization in every context yet. The practical availability of RON can depend on the document type and the agency that will receive it.

The staged implementation means that not all parts of the law are active at the same time. Some code sections, including Government Code sections 8232 through 8232.4 and Civil Code sections 1182 and 1183, were operative as of January 1, 2024. Government Code section 8231.18 is scheduled to become operative later. For notaries and signers, this means the legal foundation exists, but the full set of rules and procedures continues to roll out. Checking the California Secretary of State customer alerts is a reliable way to stay current on the latest operative dates and official warnings.

Common documents that can be notarized remotely

The documents eligible for remote notarization in California cover a broad range of common notary work. Guidance related to the new state law identifies four documents specifically: a deed of trust, a signature and name affidavit, a compliance agreement, and an occupancy statement. The same guidance makes clear that these four are only examples and that the list could include a dozen or more additional document types.

• Deed of trust

• Signature and name affidavit

• Compliance agreement

• Occupancy statement

• Mortgage documents

• Quitclaim deeds

• Grant deeds

These documents reflect the types of paperwork that California law has historically required to be notarized. Mortgage documents, quitclaim deeds, and grant deeds are among the most frequently cited in discussions of California notarization requirements. For many signers, the remote process can handle the majority of documents that a traditional notary would seal in person.

The fact that these documents appear in early guidance is significant for real estate professionals, lenders, and homeowners. A deed of trust, for example, is a core document in many California property transactions. The signature and name affidavit, compliance agreement, and occupancy statement are equally tied to real estate closings and loan paperwork. When a remote notary conducts one of these notarizations online, the result is intended to serve the same notarial function as an in-person notarization, provided the platform and notary meet the requirements of the Online Notarization Act.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Real estate documents and electronic recording

Real estate is one of the most active areas for remote notarization in California. Deeds of trust, grant deeds, and quitclaim deeds are all prominently mentioned in the materials surrounding the state's RON rules, along with mortgage documents. For property owners, agents, and escrow officers, the ability to notarize these documents remotely can simplify transactions that would otherwise require coordinating an in-person meeting.

A related question is whether a remotely notarized real estate document can be recorded. According to remote notarization guidance, the answer is yes. Remotely notarized documents can be electronically recorded in California. The companies that provide live e-recording services maintain current lists of participating counties, and parties should check those resources before assuming that a particular county accepts electronic recording. First Legal maintains a live e-recording county list at firstlegal.com that serves as a practical reference for this step.

Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels

Compliant remote notarization versus unlawful webcam notarization

The California Secretary of State has issued a customer alert explaining that online webcam notarizations are invalid and illegal activities for California notaries public. The alert warns notaries to beware of misleading practices in this area. This distinction is important for anyone considering a remote notarization.

A valid remote notarization under the Online Notarization Act must be performed by a commissioned California notary using an approved online notarization platform with audio-visual communication. A casual video call in which a notary watches a signer sign a document does not meet the legal standard. Signers should confirm that the remote notary they hire is operating through a compliant platform designed for online notarization, and notaries should avoid any arrangement that claims to notarize documents through an ordinary webcam session.

How to confirm that your document qualifies

Because California's remote notarization law is still being implemented in stages, the safest step is to confirm with the agency, lender, or company requesting the notarized document. Some organizations may not yet accept remote notarizations even though the state law has taken effect. The same caution applies at the county level when a document needs to be recorded. Ask whether the receiving party accepts a remotely notarized document before you schedule the session.

This prevents the frustration of completing a remote notarization only to have the document rejected. A reputable remote notary service can help verify the requirements and walk through the platform, but the final confirmation should come from the requesting agency. When in doubt, ask first and notarize second.

Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote online notarization legal in California?

Yes. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 696 on September 30, 2023, implementing the Online Notarization Act. The law took effect on January 1, 2024, and authorizes California notaries to perform notarial transactions using audio-visual communication and approved online notarization platforms. Implementation is staged, meaning some provisions became operative immediately while others follow in later phases. Signers can use a mobile device or computer webcam to complete the process with a commissioned California notary.

What documents can be notarized remotely in California?

The list includes many familiar notarized documents. Common examples cited under the new framework include deeds of trust, signature and name affidavits, compliance agreements, and occupancy statements. Mortgage documents, quitclaim deeds, and grant deeds are also among the documents that may require notarization in California. The guidance notes that the list could include a dozen or more additional document types, so remote notarization covers far more than these core examples.

Can real estate documents be notarized online in California?

Yes. Real estate related documents such as deeds of trust, quitclaim deeds, grant deeds, and mortgage documents appear throughout California remote notarization guidance. Remotely notarized documents can also be electronically recorded in California, which supports property transfers, refinancing, and title work. Because the law is still being phased in, parties should confirm that the receiving agency or county recorder accepts remote notarizations before completing a transaction.

How can I be sure my document qualifies for remote notarization?

California does not fully allow remote online notarization for every situation yet, so the best approach is to contact the agency, lender, or title company requesting the notarized document. Ask whether it accepts remote notarizations and whether any special requirements apply. You should also confirm that the notary you plan to use is a commissioned California notary operating through a compliant online notarization platform.

What is the difference between a valid remote notarization and a webcam call?

California authorities have warned that online webcam notarizations are invalid and illegal activities for California notaries public. A valid remote notarization must comply with the Online Notarization Act and be performed by a commissioned California notary using an approved online notarization platform with audio-visual communication. A regular video chat without those safeguards does not meet the legal standard. Signers should confirm they are using a compliant service rather than an informal webcam arrangement.