by Online Notarization has taken the world by storm, and there is no doubt that every notary public wants to become an online notary to expand their business and reach new clients. Becoming an online notary takes you into the digital world, where there are many new opportunities.
In the USA, Online Notarization has become a reality, with most states allowing RON platforms to perform notarization remotely and authorizing the same legal validity as in-person notarization.
However, unlike states such as Florida and Texas, California has not yet legalized RON. However, many people still look for online notary services in California. In this guide, we will explain the California notarization law, the current legal status of RON, and whether we can expect the state of California to legalize Remote Online Notarization or not.
Can I Become an Online Notary in California?
No. As of now, you cannot become an online notary in California. The state of California has not passed a law to allow online notarization in the state. As per the current law, there is no law passed that allows California notaries to allow online notarization. However, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 696 in 2023, which allows California notaries to notarize their documents online through other state notaries.
The law isn’t yet in effect for California notaries, so California notary publics can’t become online notaries and perform online notarization now. To use the online notarization, the California notaries must wait till 2030 to start using the RON platform and do online sessions.
You may also like to read: How to Get Your Affidavit of Residency Notarized Easily?
Can California Resident Notarized Documents Online?
Yes, per Senate Bill (SB) 696, California Residents can notarize their documents online from another state. As a California resident, you can notarize your documents in another state, such as Florida, Texas, or New York. Multiple platforms offer online notarization, like eNotary On Call, which helps Californians to connect with other states to notarize documents online.
How to Notarize Documents Online in California?
If you are living in California and need to notarize your documents online, you must follow these steps to successfully notarize your documents.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Online Notary Platform
Firstly, you must choose the online notary platform that offers you online notary services. eNotary On Call is one of the leading online notarization platforms, helping California residents connect with other states.
Step 2: Sign up for the Platform
Fill in your details like the name, phone number, email address, and password, to create your account. You can also sign up directly through your Gmail account.
Step 3: Upload Your Document
Upload the document you need notarized, such as an Affidavit or Will. You can add up to five documents to notarize. However, you must remember to add an unsigned document because a pre-signed document can’t be notarized, either online or offline.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity.
Add your official ID, like a passport or driver’s license, and verify your identification digitally. Answer a few KBA questions to complete the verification.
Step 5: Meet the Online Notary
Once the verification is completed, you can now connect with the notary online via a video call. The notary will verify your identity, acknowledge the paper, and sign and seal the document. Once they complete the process, the notarization is finalized.
Step 6: Download the Notarized Document
Once the process is completed, you can download the notarized document from your account.
You may also like to read: The Mistake That Gets 70% of Affidavits of Residency Rejected Instantly!
When Remote Online Notarization Becomes Legal in California?
California passed Senate Bill 696 in 2023, which authorizes remote online notarization (RON) under state law and sets up a phased rollout for California residents and California notaries. Under the law, from January 1, 2024, Californian residents can use online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states where RON is already legal, like Florida, New York, and more. Such a notarization will be accepted in California.
However, under the same law, it was stated that, until January 1, 2030, California notaries may begin performing notarizations online within the state. The date stated in the law has not changed to date. Currently, California notaries cannot perform online notarization.
Conclusion
Under a recent law, California permits online notarization for its residents but not for California Notaries. This means California residents can notarize documents through state notaries via the Online Notarization platform, but the notaries cannot perform notarization online. If they do so, that is illegal and against the law.
If you are a California resident who needs urgent notarization of your document, sign up now at eNotary On Call. We offer you notaries from Florida, Texas, and other states who can help you get notarized legally. Get started now.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is an online notary charged in California?
The Online Notarization for one document costs $25. Under Senate Bill (SB) 696, notaries in California can’t perform notarizations, but California residents can notarize documents that other state notaries cannot.
2. Can I Notarize My Rent Agreement Online?
Yes, you can notarize your rent agreement and other documents, including loan documents, real estate documents, personal documents, and more online without any hassle.
3. How much does it cost to notarize a document in CA?
Depending on the type of document you need notarized, the notarization fees vary. Generally, the online notarization charges start from $25 and can go up to $100 and more.
