Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Becoming a Notary Series: How to Become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Florida
- Details
- Published: July 24, 2023
With the increasing demand for remote services, the role of a remote online notary has gained prominence. Becoming a remote online notary in Florida provides flexibility and convenience for both notaries and their clients. We will guide you through the process of becoming a notary or renewing your existing commission while adding the ability to be a remote online notary in Florida.
Meet the Requirements
Before diving into the process, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the requirements to become a remote online notary.
To become a remote online notary in Florida, you must meet the same requirements as a traditional notary, including being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state, and able to read, write, and understand the English language. In addition, you are required to be a notary before applying to become a remote online notary. Fret not; we will help you become a notary or renew your commission and help you register to perform remote online notarizations.
Take the Notary Education Course(s)
All applicants are required to complete a two-hour state-approved course covering the duties, obligations, and technology requirements for serving as a remote online notary. In addition, first-time applicants are also required to take a three-hour state-approved traditional notary course that will cover the most current notary laws in Florida as well as help you understand your notarial duties.
To satisfy these requirements, Notary Public Underwriters offers both courses, and our RON packages include the state-approved course(s) you need based on your situation.
Obtain a Surety Bond and Notary Errors & Omissions Policy, Complete the Notary Application, and Pay the Necessary Fees
As a part of the application process, you must obtain a $25,000 notary bond and a notary errors & omissions policy in the minimum amount of $25,000 from an approved bonding agency such as Notary Public Underwriters.
The bond is intended to protect the public from any financial loss caused by notarial misconduct. If a claim is made against your bond, you are required to pay it back. This is where Notary E&O insurance steps in. This policy is designed to shield the notary from financial liability in the case of any unintentional mistakes or oversights up to the policy limit. There is no deductible, and you are not required to pay it back. Without this policy, you would be responsible for all fees or expenses related to defending yourself as a notary.
Next, you will need to complete the notary public commission application. Don't worry; our online application process will guide you through all of the application questions and help you avoid any errors. The Affidavit of Character section must be completed by a person who has known you for more than a year, and you must read and sign the Oath of Office and Notary Bond sections. They do not need to be notarized.
Please note that if you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide a recorded Declaration of Domicile, which can be obtained from your local County Clerk's office. If you have had any professional licenses revoked, have been disciplined by a regulatory agency, have been convicted of a felony, or have had an adjudication of guilt withheld for a felony offense, you must submit additional documents as outlined on the application for review by the Governor's office.
You may wonder about the cost of the bond, insurance, course(s), and fees. We have compiled a breakdown of the items discussed and included the popular rectangular self-inking notary stamp, which is available in several colors, so you can also carry out your duties as a traditional notary. Please note that these prices are accurate as of June 28, 2023.
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Become a Notary & Remote Online Notary $25,000 Remote Notary Bond: $65 State Filing Fee: $39 RON Certification Course: $30 Notary Education Course: $25 Rectangular Self-Inking Stamp: $24 $25,000 Notary E&O Policy: $60 Shipping & Handling: $9.95 Sales Tax: $1.80 Total: $254.75 |
Renew Notary Commission & Become a Remote Online Notary $25,000 Remote Notary Bond: $65 State Filing Fee: $39 RON Certification Course: $30 Rectangular Self-Inking Stamp: $24 $25,000 Notary E&O Policy: $60 Shipping & Handling: $9.95 Sales Tax: $1.80 Total: $229.75 |
Submit Your Paperwork (Traditional Notary)
If you used our online application process, you will be able to download the documents you need to send to us at the end of checkout. These documents would include instructions on where to sign, a reminder to have the Affidavit of Character portion completed, and a request for any supporting documentation to assist the Governor's Notary Section in determining your eligibility if you have had any professional licenses revoked, have been disciplined by a regulatory agency, have been convicted of a felony, or have had an adjudication of guilt withheld for a felony offense. Do not forget to complete your notary training and include a signed copy of your completion certificate from the traditional notary course with your paperwork.
Once we receive your paperwork, we will review it for accuracy and file it with the state upon determining it will be accepted.
TIP: We recommend completing the traditional first-time notary course first, as this will be required to process your notary commission. While your application is being processed, you may begin your remote online notary course. We do not need a copy of your remote online notary course completion.
Choose a RON Service Provider
If you haven't already, now would be a good time to determine the RON service provider(s) you will be using. The provider(s) must have technology that satisfies the requirements set forth in Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 1N-7, Florida Administrative Code. We suggest you review several RON service providers that are listed on the Department of State's RON Service Provider Search to determine which one best serves your needs.
Receiving Your Supplies & Remote Online Notary Paperwork
We will begin manufacturing your order and ship it within three business days upon notification of approval from the State. Please be aware that your notary certificate and supplies will be delivered separately. Once received, you may begin performing your duties as a traditional notary!
We will provide you the registration form, instructions, and other items needed to complete the registration with the State within one business day of receiving the approval of your traditional notary commission. Please note that there is a $10 fee you will be responsible for paying when filing the documents with the State. If you have any questions during this step, please don't hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800.821.0821.
Receiving Your RON Approval
Once you are registered as a remote online notary by the Secretary of State, they will send you copies of everything you submitted along with an authorization form, and you're good to go!
Becoming a remote online notary in Florida opens up new opportunities to provide efficient notarial services in a digital world. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can embark on your journey to becoming a remote online notary. Remember to stay up to date with the evolving laws and technology in the field to ensure you offer the best remote notarization experience to your clients.
IMPORTANT: As a reminder, your remote online registration will expire the same day as your commission expiration date. You will need to re-apply each time, meeting all the same requirements, either at the time of your traditional notary renewal, or anytime during your traditional notary term.
Related Article(s)
How to Become a Notary in Florida
What to Do When the Notary Certificate Is Missing?
Notarizing a Signature: Performing the Verbal Ceremony
How to Handle Out-Of-State Documents
Tips to Protect Your Notary Stamp and Journal
Beyond the Notary Stamp – Supplies Notaries Need