RIN, RON, and IPEN: Just Because a Notarization Method Exists Doesn't Mean Your State Permits It
The notary industry continues to evolve as technology introduces new ways to conduct business, serve customers, and complete notarial transactions. With these advancements come opportunities for notaries to expand their services, increase convenience, and reach customers beyond traditional office settings.
However, there is something I believe every notary should understand before pursuing a new service: Just because a notarization method exists does not mean your state authorizes you to perform it.
I've noticed growing interest among notaries in different notarization methods, particularly Remote Ink Notarization (RIN), Remote Online Notarization (RON), and In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN).
While these methods may sound similar, they are not interchangeable. More importantly, their legal authorization varies by state.
Before investing in training, purchasing technology, subscribing to a platform, or advertising a new service, notaries have a responsibility to understand what their commissioning state actually permits.
Understanding the Different Notarization Methods
Traditional In-Person Notarization
This is the method most people recognize. The signer physically appears before the notary, signs a paper document when required, and the notary completes the appropriate notarial certificate using a traditional signature and seal.
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
IPEN involves an electronic document and electronic notarial process, but the signer and notary remain physically present together.
Instead of completing the transaction on paper, the parties use electronic technology to execute the document and complete the notarization.
Florida authorizes electronic notarization under Florida Statute §117.021. An existing Florida notary commission is sufficient to perform compliant in-person electronic notarizations; separate RON registration is not required solely for IPEN.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON allows a properly authorized notary to perform a notarization remotely through compliant audio-video communication technology.
The transaction involves electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic notarial certificates. The notary must follow applicable requirements involving identity verification, technology, security, and recordkeeping.
Florida has authorized RON since January 1, 2020, subject to the registration and procedural requirements established under Chapter 117, Part II.
Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)
RIN is different from RON.
In a typical RIN transaction, the signer appears before the notary through live audio-video communication but signs a physical paper document using wet ink. The paper document is then transmitted or delivered to the notary for completion according to the procedures authorized by the applicable jurisdiction.
Although this method has been permitted in certain jurisdictions under particular laws or emergency measures, it is not universally authorized.
And this is where confusion can arise.
Florida: RON Is Authorized, but RIN Is Not
Florida provides a useful example of why understanding the differences matters.
Florida law authorizes traditional notarization, electronic notarization, and properly conducted Remote Online Notarization.
However, Florida does not provide a general statutory authorization for Remote Ink Notarization as a separate notarial procedure.
Under Florida Statute §117.107(9), a signer must appear before the notary either physically or through audio-video communication technology authorized under Chapter 117, Part II.
That distinction matters.
Florida's authorization for remote appearance does not mean a notary may simply conduct a video call, watch someone sign a paper document, receive the document by mail, and apply a traditional notary stamp.
Florida's RON framework contains specific requirements that cannot be replaced with an informal video conference and a wet-ink document exchange.
A notary should never assume that because one remote procedure is authorized, every variation of remote notarization is also permitted.
Technology Does Not Override Notary Law
This is one of the most important lessons I want notaries to understand.
Technology companies develop products and services to meet market demand. A platform may offer remote document execution, electronic signatures, video conferencing, identity verification, or other features intended to support notarization.
But the availability of those features does not automatically establish their legality for every commissioned notary.
A technology provider cannot grant you notarial authority that your state has not provided.
Your authority comes from the laws governing your commission, not from a platform's marketing materials, a training advertisement, or another notary's experience.
Even when a provider advertises a service as available nationwide, that does not necessarily mean every notary in every state may legally perform that service.
Before adopting any technology, determine whether the proposed notarization procedure complies with your state's requirements.
What Is Permitted in One State May Be Prohibited in Another
Notaries frequently participate in national networking groups, online communities, webinars, and training programs. These resources can provide valuable information and introduce opportunities that may not otherwise be familiar.
However, they can also create confusion when state-specific rules are discussed without sufficient context.
A notary in one state may legally perform a particular type of notarization that another state's laws do not authorize.
That does not necessarily mean either notary is doing something wrong. It means their legal authority may be different.
It is also important to recognize that some jurisdictions previously adopted temporary emergency measures allowing alternative notarization procedures. A temporary authorization should never be confused with permanent legislation.
Just because a method was once permitted does not mean it remains permitted today.
And just because another notary is successfully offering a service does not mean you can legally offer that same service under your commission.
Before Adding a New Notary Service, Do Your Research
As business owners, we naturally look for ways to grow, improve our operations, and provide more convenience to our customers.
I encourage that growth. I believe notaries should continue learning, exploring technology, and identifying opportunities to strengthen their businesses.
But expansion should begin with education and legal compliance.
Before introducing a new notarization method into your business, ask yourself:
Does my commissioning state expressly authorize this method?
What statutes, administrative rules, or official guidance govern the procedure?
Does this service require additional registration, training, technology, or credentials?
Are there restrictions on where the notary or signer must be located?
What identification, recordkeeping, security, and document requirements apply?
Am I relying on current law, or information that may have changed?
These questions can help you avoid investing in a service you are not legally authorized to provide.
Your first source of information should be your state's commissioning authority and the laws governing your notarial acts. When legal interpretation is necessary, seek guidance from a qualified attorney.
Professional Growth Requires Professional Responsibility
There is nothing wrong with being interested in new notarization methods. In fact, I believe curiosity and continued education are essential to professional development.
But interest alone is not enough.
As notaries, we are entrusted with responsibilities that extend beyond completing a transaction or collecting a fee. Our role requires us to understand the authority granted to us and the limitations placed upon that authority.
The goal should never be to offer every service available in the industry.
The goal should be to offer services that we are properly authorized, equipped, and qualified to perform.
Innovation creates opportunities. Education helps us understand them. Compliance determines whether we can legally pursue them.
Final Thoughts
As the notary industry continues to evolve, I encourage every notary to remain curious, informed, and intentional about professional growth.
Learn about emerging technologies. Explore new opportunities. Ask questions. Invest in your professional development.
But before implementing a new notarization method, make sure you understand the laws governing your commission.
Because at the end of the day, being able to perform a notarization technologically does not necessarily mean you are legally authorized to perform it.
And that is a distinction every notary should understand.
Berjoh Fullilove
Founder, The Notary Education Group™
Legal References and Educational Resources
Florida Statutes §117.021 — Electronic Notarization
Florida Statutes §117.107(9) — Prohibited Acts
Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II — Online Notarizations
Florida Department of State — Remote Online Notary Public Registration and Requirements
Educational Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Notarial laws and administrative requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change. Notaries should consult their commissioning authorities and applicable laws before offering new notarization services.
Legal information reviewed October 12, 2026.
