What is RON? And Why It’s Not Always the Best Choice for California Small Business Owners

If you're a small business owner in California, chances are you've had to get a document notarized—maybe a lease agreement, a contractor license, or a business loan form. And if you've heard about Remote Online Notarization (RON), you may be wondering: Can this make things easier for me?

The answer is yes, but it also depends. RON can be a great tool in certain situations, but it’s not always the best fit, especially if you care about supporting your local economy or building community trust. Let’s take a closer look.

What is RON?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to get documents notarized through a secure online platform. Instead of meeting a notary in person, you connect through a video call. Your identity is verified digitally, you sign documents electronically, and the notary applies a digital seal—all online.

Think Zoom meets DocuSign, but with legal backing.

RON is already legal in many states. California, however, hasn’t fully adopted it yet. As of May 2025, California notaries can’t perform RONs, but California residents can use out-of-state notaries, who are authorized to do RON, depending on the document.

How RON Can Help Your Business

There’s no question—RON offers clear benefits:

• Convenience: You can notarize documents anytime, from anywhere.

• Speed: No need to coordinate travel or schedule in-person meetings.

• Access: It’s a useful option if you work with clients or vendors across state lines.

For busy entrepreneurs, these perks can save valuable time.

But RON Isn't Always the Best Option

While RON is efficient, it has some drawbacks, especially for California businesses that thrive on personal connections and local relationships.

1. RON Doesn’t Support Local Notaries

By using a RON platform, your notary is probably located in a different state. This means you're spending your money out of state instead of supporting the local California notary who could also be a small business owner, just like yourself.

2. Tech Issues Can Get in the Way

RON platforms rely on good internet, digital verification tools, and specific devices.

If you or your client aren't tech-savvy or encounter technical problems, a 10-minute process can become a frustrating ordeal.

3. Not All Documents Are RON-Friendly

Certain legal or government forms in California may still require wet signatures or in-person notarization. Before you go digital, it’s important to check whether your document qualifies.

4. Loss of Personal Touch

Notarization isn’t always just about stamping a signature—it can be a chance to ask questions, clarify intent, and build trust. That’s harder to do over a screen.

Supporting Local: In-Person Still Matters

As a California small business, you're part of a local ecosystem. Choosing an in-person notary supports fellow entrepreneurs and keeps business in your community. Whether it’s a mobile notary, a nearby real estate office, or a local UPS Store, these notaries are part of the same small business network you're in.

In-person notarization can also offer:

• Better relationship-building

• Hands-on guidance for complex documents

• A more human touch in sensitive situations

What Should You Do?

If you’re considering RON, here’s how to think about it:

• Use RON when speed and remote access are crucial (e.g., late-night closings, out-of-state clients).

• Choose in-person notarization when you can, especially for local documents, real estate, or government forms.

• Ask your local notary if they offer mobile services—you may get the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a powerful new tool, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For California small business owners, the key is balance. Use RON when it makes sense, but don’t underestimate the value of showing up in person and supporting local professionals.

Because sometimes, keeping it local is the most powerful business move you can make.