What to Expect in 2026 — Notary Laws, RON Updates & What It Means for You
What to Expect in 2026 — Notary Laws, RON Updates & What It Means for You
The notary landscape is evolving fast. As we move into 2026, states are updating laws, new national proposals are emerging, and remote online notarization (RON) continues gaining ground. At Notary Trails, we’re watching these changes closely — and staying ahead, so your signings stay legal, secure, and seamless. Here’s what you need to know.
RON Is Now Mainstream — and Growing
As of early 2025, 45 states plus Washington, D.C. have permanent laws allowing Remote Online Notarization. NotaryCam+1
Even states that were slow to adapt are catching up: several states recently passed new legislation or updated existing laws to permit RON. Notary Academy+1
If you thought notarization nearly always meant an in-person meet-up — think again. For many clients, court filings, estate planning, real estate closings, and business paperwork can now be handled remotely.
What this means for you:
Remote clients have wider access than ever.
Cross-state transactions are simpler — great for real estate, lending, legal, and corporate clients.
Remote notarization is faster and more convenient.
New State-Level Requirements for RON Are Coming
While RON is growing, many states are tightening the rules to improve security and compliance. For example:
In Tennessee, a new law (effective January 1, 2026) requires any notary applying for an online commission to complete a state-approved course covering notarial law, technology procedures, and ethics. DLA Piper
Meanwhile, states like California have phased-in RON legalization under SB 696 began in 2024, but full implementation, including technology requirements, is set in stages through 2030.
This shift reflects a broader priority: ensuring notarized documents remain secure, legal, and fraud-resistant even as technology changes how notarization is done.
What this means for Notary Trails and our clients:
We’re using platforms that meet or exceed state-approved tech and record-keeping standards.
We provide clear guidance to clients about RON requirements — ID, internet connection, suitable environment, and secure scan-back procedures.
Stronger Fraud Prevention, Identity Verification & Record-Keeping
With the rise of RON, many states are updating rules around authentication, identity verification, and record retention:
Notaries must often use multi-factor identity verification: government-issued ID, credential analysis, and knowledge-based authentication or other approved methods. The Florida Senate+1
Electronic journals and secure storage of audio/video recordings from RON sessions are increasingly required. Notary Academy+1
For many states, this includes retaining audio-visual records for a specified number of years to meet compliance standards. Notary Academy+1
For clients, this means the notary isn’t just a “stamp and signature” — notarization becomes a formal, documented process, offering greater protection and legality.
Federal-Level Movement Toward Interstate Standardization
Beyond individual states, there’s growing federal interest in standardizing remote and electronic notarization across state lines.
In 2025, the SECURE Notarization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1777 / S. 1561) was introduced in Congress. The proposed legislation aims to:
Authorize remote and electronic notarizations that involve interstate commerce
Require federal courts to recognize notarizations from any state
Set minimum national standards for electronic and remote notarizations, including identity verification and record integrity Congress.gov+1
If passed, it could simplify cross-state notarizations — a benefit for clients dealing with multi-state real estate, business, or legal matters.
What Notary Trails Is Doing — and What Clients Should Expect
Because of these changes, Notary Trails is stepping up our standards and practices:
All notaries undergo regular training, including state-required online-notary education when applicable
We only use secure, compliant RON platforms that meet or exceed state and proposed federal standards
For RON signings, we follow strict identity verification, record-keeping, audio/video retention, and secure document handling protocols
For mobile / in-person services, we maintain E&O insurance, detailed journals (in some states), and rigorous quality assurance
For our clients, this means:
Seamless notarizations across state lines — for business, real estate, legal, and estate-planning documents
Flexibility: choose RON for convenience or mobile for in-person when required
Compliance guarantee: we stay current with laws, so you don’t have to
Trust & protection: secure, documented notarizations that stand up to legal and regulatory scrutiny
What Clients Should Do to Prepare in 2026
If you expect to need notary services this year, here’s a quick checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Confirm whether your state allows RON (or if RON is valid for your document type)
Have a valid government-issued photo ID ready for any RON or mobile signing
Use a secure device with a working webcam, good internet connection, and proper lighting for remote signings
If doing recurring business, consider creating an account with Notary Trails now to lock in scheduling, priority service, and compliance support
In Conclusion
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for notarization in the United States — with broader RON adoption, stronger compliance standards, and potential federal reforms. At Notary Trails, we’re not just watching these changes — we’re embracing them, updating our practices, and making sure you benefit from a notarization service that’s compliant, flexible, and dependable.
Whether you need a quick one-time signing or a long-term notary partner for ongoing real estate, legal, or corporate signings — we’ve got you covered.
Ready for your next signing? Book a mobile or remote notary with Notary Trails today.
