What does a notary need to do before performing a Remote Online Notary session?

To perform a Remote Online Notary (RON) session, a notary must be commissioned, trained in RON procedures, and registered with a RON technology provider. This requirement ensures that the notary is legally authorized to conduct notarial acts electronically and understands the specific regulations and procedures involved in remote notarization.

Being commissioned as a notary public is foundational, as it grants legal authority to perform notarial acts. Additionally, specialized training in RON procedures is crucial because the remote setting introduces unique technical and procedural considerations that differ from traditional in-person notarization. Lastly, registration with a RON technology provider is necessary since these platforms facilitate the online interaction and document management essential to RON.

While other options may have some relevance in specific contexts, they do not encompass the comprehensive prerequisites needed to conduct a legitimate RON session. For example, while some states may consider witness signatures depending on the transaction type, it is not a universal requirement for every RON. Additionally, purchasing insurance may be a prudent measure but is not a legal requirement for performing RON. Similarly, completing a free online course can be beneficial, but it does not substitute for the formal training and registration process mandated for RON practices.