Is a RON Document Considered the Original?

Quick Answer: 

• Yes. When a notary completes remote online notarization (RON), the resulting electronic document is the original. United States federal law gives digital signatures and electronic documents the same legal weight as paper ones. NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform, produces a tamper-evident digital original for every session.

Key Takeaways

• A document notarized through RON is the legal original, not a copy.
• The ESIGN Act gives electronic signatures and documents the same legal effect as paper documents. State laws support this at the state level too.
• A printed or scanned copy of a RON document is just that: a copy. The electronic file with the notary's digital seal is the original.

Remote online notarization, or RON, lets a notary public and a signer complete a notarization over live video. They do not need to meet in person. The notary verifies the signer's identity, confirms intent to sign, and applies a digital seal once the signer has signed a document electronically.

A common question follows. The whole signing process happens on a screen. Is the resulting document actually an original? Yes, and the reason comes down to how state laws and federal law treat digital signatures and electronic documents.

What Makes a RON Document the Original?

A traditional notarization produces one paper document with a wet-ink signature and a physical seal. That paper is the original. A photocopy or a scan is a copy.

RON works the same way, in a different format. The electronic document, the digital signature, and the notary's digital seal make up the original.

The ESIGN Act settles this question. It gives an electronic contract or signature the same legal effect, validity, and enforceability as a paper one. This is why a document notarized electronically carries the same standing as one signed in ink.

Is a Copy of a RON Document Acceptable?

Generally, no. A scanned or printed copy of a notarized document is a copy, not the original.

Courts and institutions treat a scanned or printed copy differently. Only the original electronic file or original paper document counts. That electronic file contains the notary's digital certificate and a verifiable audit trail, which a printout cannot reproduce.

If you need to prove a copy matches the original, a notary or authorized official can certify it. That certified copy carries a signature confirming the match. This is different from the original notarization itself.

How Does Electronic Notarization Compare to Paper Notarization?

Here is an example of a notarized document under each method:

Many states that authorize RON also let a notary certify a printed copy of an electronic original. This matters for recording purposes, like filing a deed with a county recorder. Vital record offices and other agencies may have their own rules. Confirm requirements before you rely on a printed copy.

Who Can Certify a True Copy of a Notarized Document?

A notary public or another authorized official can certify that a copy matches the original. They compare the copy to the original document side by side and confirm the match with a signature or seal.

A certified copy does not replace the original notarization. It also does not turn a plain photocopy into a legally equivalent original on its own.

How Do You Sign Documents Online With NotaryLive?

NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform, connects you to a commissioned notary through secure video. The signing process typically takes under 15 minutes.

Here is how to notarize a document electronically:

1. Upload your document to the NotaryLive platform, often by drag and drop.
2. Confirm your identity using a knowledge-based quiz.
3. Connect to a notary public via secure video.
4. Sign the document on screen while the notary witnesses the session.
5. Download your notarized electronic original.

Store the electronic file carefully. It is the original document going forward. Keep printed or scanned copies as backups only.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a RON document considered the original? 
  • Yes. The electronic file from a remote online notarization session, with the notary's digital seal, is the legal original. It holds the same standing as a paper document with a wet-ink signature.
• Is a copy of a notarized document acceptable? 
  • Generally, no. Courts and institutions do not treat a scanned or printed copy the same as the original electronic file or original paper document.
• What is the difference between an original and a certified copy? 
  • An original carries the actual notarization. A certified copy is a duplicate. A notary or authorized official compares it to the original and confirms it is accurate.

About NotaryLive

NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions. They are dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform. This platform prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents easily, anywhere, any time.

This post was written by the NotaryLive editorial team.

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