Wondering how to become an online notary? In nearly every state, the path is the same core sequence: hold (or apply for) a traditional notary commission, complete a state-approved remote online notarization (RON) training course and exam, secure the required bond and insurance, and register with an approved RON technology provider. The specific bond amounts, fees, and paperwork vary by state – this guide covers the universal steps, then the details for three commonly-searched states.
What Are the Requirements to Become an Online Notary?
Becoming an online notary generally requires five steps: hold a traditional notary commission, complete RON-specific training, pass any required exam, obtain a surety bond and E&O insurance, and register with a state-approved RON technology provider. Every state layers its own specific dollar amounts and forms on top of this same basic structure.
- Hold or apply for a traditional notary commission. Most states require this before you can add an online/RON endorsement.
- Complete a state-approved RON training course. Some states also require passing a separate exam.
- Secure your bond and E&O insurance. Amounts vary significantly by state, often $10,000–$30,000.
- Register with a RON technology provider. States generally require notaries to name an approved provider, such as BlueNotary, on their application.
- Submit your application and fee to your state. Once approved, you can begin performing remote online notarizations.
Because these requirements are set independently by each state, according to the National Notary Association, bond amounts, training hours, and provider rules differ from state to state – always confirm the current requirement with your state’s notary-commissioning authority before applying.
State Notary Requirements at a Glance
Requirements differ meaningfully by state even though the overall process looks similar. The table below covers three commonly-searched states – Florida, Illinois, and Colorado – with their training, bonding, and provider requirements as currently published.
| State | Training / Exam | Bond & Insurance | RON Provider |
| Florida | RON training course required (existing traditional commission needed first) | $25,000 surety bond + $25,000 E&O insurance | State-approved RON technology provider required |
| Illinois | State-required training and exam | $30,000 surety bond; Form I-263/I-264 filed with a bond company | Must contract with an Electronic Notarization System Provider (e.g., BlueNotary) |
| Colorado | RON training course from the Colorado Secretary of State, then pass the state exam | Bond requirements set by the Secretary of State’s application | Sign up with an approved RON technology provider |
For the full state-by-state breakdown beyond these three, BlueNotary’s guide to becoming a remote online notary in every state covers the remaining states in detail.
How Much Can You Earn as an Online Notary?
Earnings for online notary jobs vary by volume and specialization, but moving from in-person to remote work removes travel time and geographic limits, which is where most of the income increase comes from. BlueNotary’s guide to remote online notary jobs notes that compensation often exceeds traditional notary earnings, since remote work removes travel and overhead and lets you serve clients from anywhere rather than driving between appointments.
The biggest jump in income for most remote notary jobs typically comes from moving into higher-value work like loan signing agent appointments or direct business relationships, rather than simply doing more of the same $25 sessions.
Choosing a RON Technology Provider
Every state with a RON law requires notaries to name an approved technology provider on their application – this is the platform that hosts the video session, identity verification, and digital seal. BlueNotary is one such approved provider across many states, giving notaries a single dashboard for scheduling, client management, and payments.
- Confirm the provider is approved in your specific state before listing it on your application.
- Compare training and certification support – some providers, including BlueNotary, offer their own training courses through a dedicated academy.
- Check payout structure and per-session rates before committing to a provider long-term.
Notaries ready to apply can start on BlueNotary’s page for notaries, and those who still need the required training can enroll through BlueNotary’s notary course.
Common Mistakes When Applying to Become an Online Notary
Most delays in becoming an online notary come from paperwork, not the RON concept itself: missing bond documentation, naming an unapproved technology provider, or submitting a training certificate that doesn’t match the state’s specific course requirement.
- Applying before checking provider approval: naming a RON provider not yet approved in your state can bounce the whole application.
- Underestimating bond costs: bond amounts range from roughly $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the state, plus separate E&O insurance in some states.
- Skipping the state-specific training course: a generic notary refresher usually doesn’t satisfy a RON-specific training requirement.
- Assuming rules are the same as a neighboring state: bond amounts, fees, and provider rules are set independently by each state.
FAQ Section
1. How do you become an online notary?
Hold a traditional notary commission, complete RON-specific training, secure a bond and insurance, and register with an approved RON technology provider in your state.
2. How much does it cost to become an online notary?
Costs vary by state but typically include a training course fee, a surety bond ($10,000–$30,000 depending on the state), and an application fee.
3. Do I need a traditional notary commission first?
In most states, yes. Online/RON authorization is typically an endorsement added to an existing or simultaneously-filed traditional notary commission.
4. How much can you earn from online notary jobs?
Earnings vary by volume and specialization, but remote work removes travel time and geographic limits, and BlueNotary notes that remote notary compensation often exceeds traditional notary earnings.
5. Can I use any RON technology provider?
No. States require notaries to name a state-approved RON technology provider on their application – confirm approval status before applying.
6. How long does it take to become an online notary?
Timelines vary by state, but most applicants complete training, bonding, and registration within a few weeks once all documentation is in order.
