If you are buying property in California from across the country, or you are a title company trying to get documents signed by someone who cannot physically walk into a notary’s office, you have probably wondered whether this can be done remotely. The answer, as of January 2024, is yes. But not exactly the way most people assume.
California passed Senate Bill 696 in 2023, and the first phase took effect on January 1, 2024. That law opened the door for California real estate closings to move forward using remote online notarization, with one important catch: California’s own notaries are not yet authorized to perform RON. The state’s technology platform for that will not be ready until approximately 2030. So for now, remote notarizations for California transactions must be performed by notaries commissioned in other states where RON is already fully legal.
What the Law Actually Says About Remote Notarization in California
California Civil Code 1189(b) and the updated Civil Code 1182(d) together allow notarizations performed under another state’s authority to be accepted in California, provided they meet that state’s legal requirements. This is not a loophole. It is written into the law.
So when a buyer based in New York or a seller living overseas needs documents notarized for a California property transaction, they can connect with a Virginia-commissioned notary, complete the session over a secure audio-video call, and submit the notarized document. California title companies and county recorders accept that result, because the law says they must.
The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution backs this up at the federal level. It requires each state to recognize the official acts of other states. A properly executed notarization under Virginia law is, by that standard, a valid notarization for purposes of a California transaction.
Why Buyers and Sellers Are Not Waiting for California to Catch Up
Real estate timelines do not pause for state technology rollouts. A buyer relocating from Chicago to San Diego still needs to close on schedule. A seller who has already moved to Florida still has to sign paperwork tied to a property they left behind. Waiting until 2030 for California’s own RON system to come online is simply not a practical option for most people.
Out-of-state commissioned notaries have been filling that gap since the law took effect. Virginia, in particular, has one of the oldest and most clearly defined RON frameworks in the country. Virginia-commissioned notaries are authorized to serve signers anywhere in the world, which makes them a natural fit for California buyers or sellers who are not physically present in the state.
Title companies have noticed. Many are now routinely scheduling remote sessions for California closings rather than arranging courier services, in-person appointments, or asking clients to find a local notary on their own. The process is faster and there is a clear paper trail, including video recordings and identity verification logs.
How a Virginia-Commissioned Notary Handles a California Real Estate Document
The process is more straightforward than it might sound. The signer uploads their documents to a secure platform, verifies their identity through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, then joins a live audio-video session with the notary. The notary reviews the document, witnesses the electronic signature, and applies an electronic seal. The completed document is then downloadable for submission to the title company or lender.
The notary does not need to be in California. The signer does not need to be in California either. What matters is that the notary holds a valid out-of-state RON commission, uses an approved platform with proper security standards, and retains the required records. California law, as written, accepts the outcome.
That said, it is worth checking with the receiving party before scheduling. Most title underwriters and lenders in California are familiar with out-of-state RON by now, but occasionally a county recorder or a specific lender will have internal guidelines that add a step. Confirming upfront takes a few minutes and avoids surprises at closing.
What Title Companies Should Know Before Scheduling a Remote Session
If you are a title agent handling a California transaction with a remote signer, a few things are worth confirming before the session.
First, make sure the notary you are using holds a current RON authorization in their home state, not just a traditional notary commission. These are two separate credentials, and only the RON authorization covers remote sessions.
Second, confirm the platform being used meets California’s technology and security requirements for RON providers, which were tightened in 2025. Reputable providers have this covered, but it is a reasonable question to ask.
Third, check whether the specific document type, whether it is a deed of trust, a grant deed, or a power of attorney, has any special requirements under California law. Some documents have additional witness or acknowledgment rules that do not change just because the notarization is remote.
And keep a copy of the session recording. The notary is required to retain it, but having your own record as a title company is good practice.
California Real Estate Closings Do Not Have to Stall Over Geography
Distance used to complicate real estate closings in ways that were genuinely frustrating. A signer living abroad, a buyer who relocated before the deal closed, a seller recovering from surgery who could not leave the house: all of these situations created delays. The legal framework now exists to handle them without the paperwork bottleneck.
The key is working with a notary who actually knows California’s current rules, understands which documents are covered, and has a platform that meets the state’s requirements. That combination is what makes a remote notary for California real estate a genuinely practical option rather than a workaround people are not sure about.
Remote NotarEZ works with title companies, law firms, and individuals on California real estate transactions. If you have a document that needs notarizing and you want to confirm it qualifies for remote notarization under current California law, reach out before you schedule. A free document review is included.
Visit the California online notary services page or go to remotenotarez.com to learn more.
Ready to book? Request an appointment and upload your documents here.
Phone: +1 (757) 271-3004
Email: info@remotenotarez.com