Out-of-State Remote Online Notaries and California Real Estate Documents: What Escrow Professionals Should Know
California has not yet authorized its own notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON). Because of this, many real estate professionals assume remote notarizations cannot be used for California real estate transactions.
In practice, that is not entirely the case.
While California notaries themselves must still meet signers in person, California law recognizes notarizations performed in other states when they are completed in accordance with the laws of that state. This means properly performed remote notarizations conducted by commissioned notaries in RON-authorized states may be used on California documents.
For escrow officers and title companies handling transactions with remote signers, this flexibility can help prevent delays and keep closings on schedule.
California Law and Out-of-State Notarizations
California currently requires its own commissioned notaries to perform notarizations in the physical presence of the signer. However, California law also recognizes notarizations that are taken outside the state when they are performed according to the laws of the jurisdiction where the notarization occurs.
This means that when a notary commissioned in a state that allows Remote Online Notarization performs a notarization under that state’s laws, the resulting notarization may be recognized in California.
This legal framework allows real estate professionals to complete certain notarized documents remotely when working with qualified notaries commissioned in RON-authorized states.
Why Remote Notarization Matters in Real Estate Transactions
Real estate closings often involve multiple parties located in different places. Escrow teams frequently work with:
• sellers living outside California
• buyers relocating before closing
• investors managing properties remotely
• military personnel stationed overseas
• estate transactions involving multiple heirs
When signers cannot easily attend an in-person appointment, coordinating traditional notarizations can delay transactions.
Remote Online Notarization provides another option by allowing documents to be signed and notarized through secure audio-video technology.
For escrow professionals managing time-sensitive transactions, this can help keep files moving forward without waiting for in-person meetings.
How Remote Online Notarization Works
A compliant Remote Online Notarization session typically includes several layers of security designed to verify the signer’s identity and document the notarization process.
These safeguards generally include:
• credential analysis of government-issued identification
• knowledge-based authentication questions to verify identity
• live video interaction between the signer and the notary
• tamper-evident electronic signatures and notarial seals
• a recorded digital audit trail of the session
These systems create detailed records of the notarization process and help support compliance with applicable laws.
How Escrow Teams Use Remote Notarization Today
Remote notarization is most commonly used when real estate signers cannot appear in person.
Examples include:
• sellers signing documents from another state
• buyers traveling during closing
• international property investors
• estate transactions involving remote heirs
Rather than waiting several days to coordinate a mobile notary appointment, escrow teams may be able to complete these notarizations remotely when allowed under applicable laws.
A Resource for Remote Real Estate Notarizations
Escrow Notary Network connects escrow officers and title companies with experienced remote online notaries who regularly assist with real estate transactions.
When signers cannot attend an in-person appointment, remote notarization can provide a secure and efficient alternative that helps keep closing timelines on track.
Connect With a Notary on Our Team
If your escrow team needs a remote online notary for a real estate transaction, you can connect with an experienced professional through our network.
👉 Contact a notary on our team:
https://escrownotarynetwork.com/about
