Yes, Out-of-State Notaries Can Notarize California Real Estate Docs Online — Here’s Why
California still hasn’t legalized Remote Online Notarization (RON) for its own notaries, but here’s the kicker: online notarization for California real estate deals is already happening — legally — thanks to notaries in Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
If that sounds confusing, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s going on, what the law says, and why RON is already part of the California real estate game.
The Law: What California Allows — and What It Doesn’t
As of now, California notaries cannot perform RONs. The state still requires notaries to meet signers in person, even in our post-pandemic, digital-everything world.
BUT — and this is key — California doesn’t prohibit the use of notarized documents from out-of-state, including those notarized remotely under the laws of another jurisdiction.
In plain English:
If a document is notarized online by a legally commissioned notary in a state that allows RON (like Tennessee, Texas, or Virginia), California will recognize that notarization — so long as it complies with that state’s laws.
Why That’s a Game-Changer for Real Estate
Real estate transactions are document-heavy, deadline-driven, and often involve multiple parties in different locations. Having to chase in-person notarizations can slow things down or blow up closing schedules.
Remote Online Notarization solves that. It allows buyers, sellers, and lenders to sign and notarize critical documents 24/7, from anywhere in the world — no scheduling hassles, no printing, no driving.
And thanks to legal recognition of out-of-state RONs, California real estate professionals can tap into that efficiency today, even though California notaries themselves can’t perform RONs (yet).
Is This Actually Legal? (Yes — Here's Why)
Under California Civil Code Section 1189(b), notarizations from other states are valid if they’re taken in accordance with that state’s laws. So when a Tennessee online notary notarizes a deed or power of attorney remotely for a California property, it holds up — because Tennessee’s RON laws are valid and the notary acted within their legal authority.
This has been confirmed by:
National mortgage lenders
Title companies
Escrow officers
Legal counsel across the industry
Bottom line: California recognizes properly executed remote notarizations — just not by California notaries.
What It Means for You
If you’re a real estate agent, broker, lender, escrow officer, or closing coordinator in California, you can:
✅ Use Remote Online Notarization for your deals
✅ Work with certified online notaries in RON-approved states
✅ Close transactions faster and with less friction
At California Online Notary Pros, we bridge that gap — offering legally compliant, out-of-state RON services tailored specifically for California real estate. Our network includes vetted, bonded, and licensed RON notaries ready to help you move deals across the finish line, anytime, anywhere.
What’s Next for California Notaries?
A RON bill (SB 696) has been introduced and is gaining traction. Eventually, California notaries may get the green light to perform online notarizations themselves. But for now, the workaround is already here — and it’s 100% legal.
Need Online Notarization for a California Property?
We’ve got you covered. Reach out to California Online Notary Pros and let us make your next closing faster, simpler, and more secure.
