North Dakota is one of the most accessible states for remote online notarization. If you already hold a traditional notary commission or plan to get one, you can be up and running as a legally authorized RON notary in as little as a few days. Here is exactly how to do it.
What Is a Remote Online Notary in North Dakota?
A remote online notary (RON) in North Dakota performs legally binding notarizations over a live, two-way audio-video connection. The signer can be anywhere in the world, and the notary can be anywhere in North Dakota.
North Dakota authorized RON back on August 1, 2019, under N.D.C.C. § 44-06.1-13.1. That means the legal framework is well-established, and the process is straightforward, no exam, no training course, no extra bond.
Step 1: Become a Traditional Notary Public First
Before you can perform remote notarizations in North Dakota, you must hold an active traditional notary commission. Here is how to get one:
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements (listed in the next section)
- Download and fully complete the application form from the North Dakota Secretary of State
- Have a commissioned notary administer your oath of office and notarize the requirements affidavit on your application
- Purchase a $7,500 surety bond from an authorized bond provider
- Submit your completed application, bond, and a $36 filing fee to the Secretary of State
- Wait to receive your Certificate of Authorization and the Verification of Notary Stamping Device Form
- Purchase an official notary seal and have your stamp vendor review your Certificate of Authorization
- Stamp the Verification Form with your new seal and return it to the Secretary of State by the deadline stated on the form
Once approved, your notary commission is issued.
Two optional but strongly recommended additions: maintain a notary journal for record-keeping, and carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself financially if a notarization error is ever challenged.
Step 2: Meet North Dakota’s Notary Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a notary commission in North Dakota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Read and write English proficiently
- Be a resident of North Dakota, or work/live in a border county with reciprocity
If you are unsure about the border county reciprocity rule, check the North Dakota Secretary of State website directly for the most current list of qualifying counties.
Step 3: Register as a Remote Online Notary in North Dakota
Once your traditional commission is active, registering for RON in North Dakota takes three steps:
- Select a Secretary of State-approved RON technology platform such as BlueNotary
- Establish your account and complete the platform’s onboarding process
- Email [email protected] to notify the Secretary of State that you intend to perform remote notarizations, and include the name of the RON platform you have chosen
That is the complete registration process. North Dakota does not require you to pass a training course or examination to become a remote notary, you simply notify the state and you are authorized.
If you prefer to write a letter rather than email, send it to: 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck ND 58505-0500. You can also fax the notification to (701) 328-0107.
Traditional vs. Remote Online Notary in North Dakota
| Feature | Traditional Notary | Remote Online Notary (RON) |
|---|---|---|
| Signer must be present in person | Yes | No — signer appears by video |
| Technology required | Notary seal + journal | Webcam, mic, RON platform, electronic seal |
| State registration required | Commission only | Commission + SoS RON notification |
| Surety bond | $7,500 | Covered by existing bond |
| Training/exam required | No | No |
| Additional bond required | N/A | No |
| E&O insurance | Optional (recommended) | Optional (recommended) |
| Signer location | Must be physically in ND | Can be anywhere in the world |
Technology Requirements for North Dakota RON Notaries
To perform remote notarizations, you will need:
- A computer or tablet with a working webcam
- A microphone and reliable internet connection
- An approved RON platform account (e.g., BlueNotary)
- An electronic notary seal compliant with your chosen platform
- An electronic notary journal
- A digital certificate containing your electronic signature
The RON platform handles most of the compliance infrastructure, recording requirements, identity verification, audit trails, and secure document storage. You focus on performing the notarization correctly.
For notaries looking to understand the full scope of remote online notarization and how it works, a deeper technical overview can help you feel confident before your first session.
Is an Extra Surety Bond Required for RON in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota remote notaries are covered under the standard $7,500 surety bond required for a traditional commission. You do not need to purchase a separate or additional bond to perform RONs.
E&O Insurance: Do You Need It?
E&O insurance is not legally required in North Dakota, but it is worth serious consideration. If a notarization is later disputed — say, a document is challenged because of an alleged procedural error, E&O insurance covers your legal costs and potential liability. Given that a policy typically costs less than $100 per year, it is a very inexpensive form of professional protection. Learning more about becoming a notary public can help you weigh these decisions before committing.
What to Expect as a North Dakota Online Notary
Demand for notarization is not purely seasonal. While signings spike during tax season, mortgage closings, estate planning activity, and business formation all create year-round need. Globally, over 1.25 billion notarial acts are performed annually, and remote notarization’s share is growing steadily.
As an online notary in North Dakota, you are responsible for verifying signer identity, ensuring documents are complete and properly executed, and maintaining accurate records. Your RON platform will handle identity proofing (typically through knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis), but the final judgment call is always yours.
How Much Can You Earn as an Online Notary in North Dakota?
Earnings vary depending on how actively you build your client base. RON platforms like BlueNotary let you set your own rates. Loan signing appointments, one of the most consistent income sources for notaries, typically pay $100–$150 per session at the industry standard rate.
The most successful online notaries treat it like a small business: they network with title companies, law firms, and lenders, and they maintain a reliable online presence. To understand the broader notary public pay rate landscape across different notary types, reviewing typical rate ranges helps you price your services competitively from day one.
Why North Dakota Is a Good State to Start Your RON Career
North Dakota’s RON framework is one of the less bureaucratic in the country. There is no mandatory training, no separate exam, and no additional bonding requirement. You notify the state, join an approved platform, and you are authorized. For notaries who want to start earning quickly without navigating lengthy certification processes, North Dakota removes most of the friction.
If you also operate in neighboring states or want to understand how cross-state notarization rules work, it is worth knowing that RON authorizations are generally state-specific, though some states have reciprocal recognition agreements.
How to Start Notarizing Online with BlueNotary in North Dakota
BlueNotary is a Secretary of State-approved RON technology provider in North Dakota. The platform includes:
- Free training videos and a signing simulator
- A built-in billing system so you can set your own rates
- Access to a community of experienced notaries
- A simple, step-by-step onboarding flow
To get started, sign up at BlueNotary, complete onboarding, then send your email to the Secretary of State. You can be performing remote notarizations within days of your commission issuance.
Conclusion
Becoming an online notary in North Dakota is a three-part process: earn your traditional commission, select a RON platform, and notify the Secretary of State. There is no exam, no additional bond, and no mandatory training standing between you and your first remote notarization. If you have been considering it, the barrier to entry is genuinely low. Get your commission, register with BlueNotary, and start building your notary business from anywhere in North Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to become an online notary in North Dakota? After your traditional commission is issued, registering as a remote notary takes one business day you email the Secretary of State, select your RON platform, and complete onboarding. Getting the initial commission typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on processing time.
Q: Do I need to pass an exam to become a remote notary in North Dakota? No. North Dakota does not require any examination or formal training course for notaries wishing to perform remote online notarizations. You must hold a current traditional commission, but no additional testing is required.
Q: Can I notarize documents for signers who are outside of North Dakota? Yes. As a North Dakota RON notary, you can legally notarize documents for signers located anywhere in the world, as long as you are physically located in North Dakota at the time of the notarization.
Q: What RON platforms are approved in North Dakota? The North Dakota Secretary of State maintains a list of approved RON providers. BlueNotary is among the approved platforms and is widely used by North Dakota notaries for its straightforward onboarding and built-in billing features.
Q: How much does the North Dakota notary commission application cost? The filing fee is $36, and you must also purchase a $7,500 surety bond. Bond premiums vary but typically cost between $50 and $100 for the full commission term. There is no additional fee or bond for adding RON authorization.
Q: Is a separate notary bond required for remote online notarizations in North Dakota? No. Your existing $7,500 surety bond covers both traditional and remote notarizations. North Dakota does not impose any additional bonding requirement for RON-authorized notaries.
