Remote Online Notarization in California (2026 Status)
Most states now allow notarization by video. California passed a law in 2023, but it isn’t switched on yet. Here’s where things stand.
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Quick answer
Not yet. As of the Secretary of State’s 2026 Handbook, California notaries cannot perform remote online notarizations; the signer must be physically present, and a video image doesn’t count as a personal appearance. The Online Notarization Act (SB 696, 2023) will let approved California notaries notarize online once the Secretary of State finishes its technology project, by January 1, 2030 at the latest. In-person electronic notarization is allowed now, as long as every normal requirement is met.
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The current rule: physical presence
California law requires a signer to personally appear before the notary for acknowledgments and jurats, and the Secretary of State interprets that as physical presence. In the Handbook’s words, “A video image or other form of non-physical representation is not a personal appearance in front of a notary public under California State law.” A California notary who notarizes over Zoom or FaceTime is violating the law.
The Online Notarization Act timeline
| Date | What happened or happens |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2023 | Governor signs SB 696, the Online Notarization Act |
| January 1, 2024 | Recognition of notarial acts from other jurisdictions (Gov. Code §§ 8232–8232.4) and updates to Civil Code §§ 1182–1183 take effect |
| January 1, 2025 | Security requirements for remote notarization (Gov. Code § 8231.18) take effect |
| When the Secretary of State completes the Notary Automation Project 2.0, or January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier | Approved California notaries may begin performing online notarizations through registered platforms |
The 2030 date can slip: the law lets the Secretary of State report to the Legislature by January 1, 2029 that the project won’t be finished in time.
Electronic notarization in person is allowed
California notaries may notarize electronic documents (signed on a tablet, for example) as long as everything a paper notarization requires still happens: personal appearance, ID, the seal and a journal thumbprint when required. Electronic real estate documents for e-recording and final subdivision maps are exempt from the seal requirement. Most of the documents our clients sign are paper, and that’s what we notarize.
What about online notaries from other states?
Many Californians use online notaries commissioned in states like Virginia, Texas or Florida. California now recognizes notarial acts performed under the laws of other states (Government Code § 8232). Whether a particular online notarization will be accepted, though, is up to whoever receives the document. Things to know:
- Recording real estate documents. County recorders need a paper document. A printed copy of an electronically notarized record can be certified by a disinterested custodian for recording under Government Code § 27201.1. Title companies may still prefer a wet-ink, in-person notarization.
- Banks, brokerages, courts and foreign governments often have their own rules and may refuse online notarizations. For international documents, an online notarization from another state is apostilled by that state, not California.
- Hospital and care-facility signers often can’t manage a video platform’s ID checks (knowledge-based questions, ID scans). In-person is usually simpler.
When in-person is the better choice
- Deeds and other documents to be recorded in California
- Powers of attorney that banks will rely on
- Documents for use abroad that need a California apostille
- Signers without a current ID, or who need credible witnesses or a signature by mark
- Anyone uncomfortable with technology
A mobile notary removes most of the inconvenience that makes online notarization tempting; we come to you, often the same day.
Common questions
Can a California notary notarize over video?
No. Until the Online Notarization Act becomes operative (by January 1, 2030 at the latest), California notaries must have the signer physically present.
Is an online notarization from another state valid in California?
California recognizes notarial acts performed under other states’ laws. Whether the person or office receiving your document accepts it is up to them, so ask first.
Can I e-sign a document and have it notarized?
Only if the notary can perform an electronic notarization with you physically present and the recipient accepts electronic documents. Otherwise, print it and sign in ink.
When will online notarization start in California?
When the Secretary of State certifies that its Notary Automation Project 2.0 is complete, or January 1, 2030, whichever comes first.
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