Wisconsin opened the door to Remote Online Notarization (RON) on May 1, 2020, making it possible for commissioned notaries to serve clients entirely online. If you’re looking to become an online notary in Wisconsin, the path is more straightforward than most states – with no separate RON commission required. This guide walks you through every step, from earning your traditional commission to performing your first legally compliant remote notarization.
What Is Remote Online Notarization in Wisconsin?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a process where a notary public performs notarial acts for signers who appear live via secure audio-visual technology — rather than in person. Wisconsin authorized RON through WI Assembly Bill 293, signed into law in 2020.
Under Wisconsin law, to conduct RON sessions you must already hold a traditional notary commission and register through a state-approved RON technology provider. No separate RON license exists – your existing commission covers it.
Step 1: Earn Your Wisconsin Notary Commission First
Before you can perform a single remote notarization, you need an active traditional notary commission. Here’s exactly how to get one:
Eligibility requirements:
- U.S. resident, age 18 or older
- Minimum eighth-grade education level
- No disqualifying criminal convictions under Wisconsin Statutes
- Pass the Wisconsin Notary Tutorial Exam with a score of 90% or higher (exam must be passed within one year of your application date)
Application steps:
- Pass the Wisconsin Notary Tutorial Exam and save your certification
- Purchase a $500 surety bond — required by the state
- Obtain an official Wisconsin notary seal
- Complete the Wisconsin Notary Online Application through the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
- Submit your application packet by email or mail — include the exam certificate, bond form, oath of office, and the $20 filing fee
- Await approval notification from the DFI. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks
- Optionally, purchase Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — strongly recommended to protect against liability
Once you receive your commission, you’re authorized to notarize documents in person across Wisconsin. For online notarizations, continue to Step 2.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to become a notary in a neighboring state or want to understand requirements across jurisdictions, the complete guide to becoming a notary public covers all 50 states in one place.
Step 2: Understand Wisconsin’s RON Requirements
Wisconsin does not require you to obtain a separate RON commission — but you must follow specific guidelines before conducting your first online session.
Key requirements for Wisconsin RON:
- Active Wisconsin notary commission (no exceptions)
- Must select a state-registered RON technology provider
- Complete all training materials provided by your chosen RON vendor
- Your vendor must communicate your completion to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and register you in the state system
- You may use multiple RON platforms simultaneously, but each must be individually registered
The Wisconsin Guidance for Notaries Performing RON is the authoritative document for compliance. Your RON vendor handles most of the registration paperwork on your behalf, but you’re responsible for confirming it’s done.
Related: Curious how RON differs from traditional notarization? Read remote online notarization explained for a full breakdown of the technology and legal standards.
Wisconsin Notary: Traditional vs. RON – Key Differences
|
Feature |
Traditional Notary |
Remote Online Notary (RON) |
|---|---|---|
|
Signer location |
Must be physically present |
Anywhere with internet access |
|
Technology required |
Seal + journal |
Audio-visual platform + digital seal |
|
Extra commission needed |
N/A |
No — same WI commission |
|
Earning potential |
Limited by geography |
Statewide and multi-state clients |
|
Legal authority |
WI Statutes Ch. 140 |
WI Assembly Bill 293 (2020) |
|
Documents supported |
All notarizable docs |
Most docs, some exceptions |
Step 3: Choose a State-Approved RON Technology Provider
Not every notarization platform qualifies for Wisconsin. Your platform must be registered with the Wisconsin DFI and capable of submitting your completion record directly to the state.
When evaluating RON platforms, look for:
- Automatic Wisconsin DFI registration upon onboarding
- Tamper-evident digital certificates
- Multi-factor identity verification (knowledge-based authentication + credential analysis)
- Session recording and secure storage of completed notarizations
- Responsive support if you encounter registration issues
BlueNotary handles Wisconsin DFI registration on your behalf. If you need confirmation of your registration status, BlueNotary’s chat support team can verify and resolve it directly. This is one of the most common points where new Wisconsin RON notaries get stuck — your vendor should proactively manage this, not leave it to you.
See also: Not sure what to look for in a platform? This overview of remote online notary platforms explained compares features and registration processes side by side.
Step 4: Complete Your Vendor Training and Activate RON Services
Once you’ve selected a platform and they’ve registered you with Wisconsin:
- Complete all required vendor training modules — most platforms offer video walkthroughs and simulated signing sessions
- Set up your digital notary seal and journal within the platform
- Confirm your DFI registration is active (contact vendor support if needed)
- Perform a test session before your first live notarization
- Begin accepting clients and scheduling RON appointments
From this point forward, you’re fully authorized to perform Remote Online Notarizations for Wisconsin signers.
How Much Can a Wisconsin Online Notary Earn?
Earnings as a Wisconsin online notary depend heavily on specialization and client acquisition. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
|
Income Type |
Typical Rate |
|---|---|
|
Standard RON session |
$10–$25 per notarization |
|
Loan signing agent (LSA) |
$75–$200 per signing |
|
Mobile + RON hybrid services |
$150–$300 per appointment |
|
Ongoing business client retainers |
$500–$2,000/month |
New notaries starting with platform-assigned sessions (through BlueNotary or similar) typically earn $10–$25 per notarization. Those who build their own client pipeline, especially loan signing agents handling real estate closings, can realistically earn $3,000–$6,000/month part-time. The 1.25 billion notarizations performed in the U.S. annually signal consistent, year-round demand.
Related: Check out how Wisconsin notary pay compares nationally in this notary public pay rate breakdown.
Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin legalized RON as of May 1, 2020, through WI Assembly Bill 293. Online notarizations performed by commissioned Wisconsin notaries using state-registered RON platforms carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations. Wisconsin-notarized documents are recognized across all 50 states for most document types.
Wisconsin RON Quick Reference
|
Topic |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
RON authorized since |
May 1, 2020 |
|
Governing law |
WI Assembly Bill 293 |
|
Separate RON commission |
Not required |
|
Surety bond required |
$500 |
|
Notary exam passing score |
90% or higher |
|
Application fee |
$20 |
|
Registration authority |
Wisconsin DFI |
|
Eligible to work in |
All 50 states (via RON) |
Ready to Start Notarizing Online in Wisconsin?
If you already hold a Wisconsin notary commission, you’re one vendor registration away from accepting RON clients. If you’re starting from scratch, the full process — from sitting the exam to completing your first online notarization — typically takes 2–4 weeks.
BlueNotary provides free onboarding training, a signing simulator, and handles your Wisconsin DFI registration automatically. Sign up and start building your online notary business today.
Also useful: See how Wisconsin compares to neighboring states; how to become an online notary in Illinois follows a similar structure and is worth reviewing if you plan to serve cross-border clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a separate RON license to become an online notary in Wisconsin? No. Wisconsin does not issue a separate Remote Online Notarization license. As long as you hold an active traditional Wisconsin notary commission and register through a state-approved RON technology provider, you’re fully authorized to perform RON sessions. Your existing commission covers all notarial acts, including remote ones.
Q: How long does it take to become a Wisconsin online notary? The full process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Getting your traditional commission (exam, application, DFI processing) takes about 1–2 weeks. Choosing a RON vendor, completing training, and confirming your DFI registration adds another 3–7 days. Some platforms like BlueNotary streamline onboarding further with guided setup and automatic state registration.
Q: Which RON technology providers are approved in Wisconsin? Wisconsin requires that RON providers register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. BlueNotary is one such registered provider. When you complete onboarding, your vendor must notify the DFI of your training completion. If you’re unsure whether this step was completed, contact your provider’s support team directly to confirm.
Q: Can a Wisconsin online notary serve clients in other states? Yes. Once you’re commissioned and registered as a Wisconsin RON notary, you can notarize documents for signers located anywhere in the United States, not just Wisconsin residents. RON removes geographic limitations entirely, allowing you to work with clients in all 50 states from your home office.
Q: What equipment do I need to perform RON in Wisconsin? At minimum, you need a computer or tablet with a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and access to a state-approved RON platform. Your platform will also require you to have a digital notary seal and maintain a secure electronic journal of all notarial acts performed online.
Q: Is there an age or education requirement to become a Wisconsin notary? Yes. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have completed at least an eighth-grade education. You must also pass the Wisconsin Notary Tutorial Exam with a minimum score of 90%, and your application must be submitted within one year of passing the exam.
