Remote Online Notarization (RON) for Real Estate Buyers & Sellers: A Game-Changer for Closing Documents
Buying or selling real estate from outside the U.S.? Traditionally, signers located abroad needed to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to notarize closing documents in front of a U.S. notary. However, Remote Online Notarization (RON) has revolutionized the process, allowing real estate transactions to be finalized digitally, from anywhere in the world.
What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
RON is a fully digital process where a commissioned notary notarizes documents online using audio-video technology. This means buyers and sellers can complete notarization remotely, without being physically present in the U.S.
Key Features of RON:
- 100% Online: No need to visit a notary or U.S. Embassy.
- E-Signatures & Digital Seals: Documents are electronically signed and secured.
- Identity Verification: Signers verify their identity using Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and credential analysis (passport, driver’s license, or other ID).
- Legally Valid: RON is recognized in many U.S. states and is widely accepted for real estate closings.
- Secure & Recorded: The notarization session is recorded and stored for legal compliance.
How RON Benefits Real Estate Buyers & Sellers Abroad
For buyers and sellers signing real estate closing documents from outside the U.S., RON eliminates the need to schedule embassy appointments, travel, or deal with delays. Here’s how it helps:
- Convenience & Accessibility
- No need to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which can have long wait times.
- Sign documents from home or anywhere with an internet connection.
- Faster Closings
- Traditional embassy signings can take weeks; RON allows notarization within minutes.
- Documents are digitally sealed and sent directly to Title & Escrow for closing.
- Legally Recognized in Most States
- Many U.S. states accept RON for real estate closings, making the process seamless for international buyers and sellers.
- Enhanced Security & Compliance
- Digital notarization platforms use tamper-proof encryption and recorded video sessions, ensuring authenticity and fraud prevention.
How to Use RON for Your Real Estate Closing
- Work with a Title & Escrow Company That Accepts RON
- Confirm that your title and escrow company allows Remote Online Notarization.
- Choose a RON-Enabled Notary from a U.S. State That Allows RON
- Notaries from states like Florida, Texas, and Virginia can perform RON for signers worldwide.
- Use a Secure RON Platform
- Popular platforms include Notarize.com, DocVerify, and SIGNiX.
- The platform will verify your identity using KBA and a government-issued ID.
- Notarize Your Documents Online
- Connect with the notary via video call, sign your documents electronically, and receive the notarized copies instantly.
- Submit Documents to Title & Escrow for Closing
- Your notarized documents are securely sent to your title company for processing, ensuring a smooth closing.
Is California a RON-Friendly State?
California does NOT allow its notaries to perform RON. However, California does accept RON notarizations from other states. This means California buyers and sellers can use an out-of-state notary (e.g., from Florida or Virginia) to notarize real estate documents remotely.
Final Thoughts: RON is the Future of Real Estate Closings
For international buyers and sellers, RON is a game-changer, eliminating the hassle of embassy appointments and expediting the closing process. By using a RON-enabled notary and a secure online platform, real estate transactions can be completed seamlessly, securely, and efficiently from anywhere in the world.
If you’re buying or selling property from abroad, talk to your title company, real estate agent, or attorney about using RON to simplify your closing process!
Joshua Anello
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