RON vs IPEN vs Traditional Notarization: A Signing Agent's Guide
Notarization now happens in three fundamentally different ways. As a signing agent, you need to understand all three — which states allow each, what technology is involved, and when you'll encounter them on the job.
Traditional Notarization
The original method. Signer and notary are physically in the same room. Documents are signed on paper with wet ink. Notary applies a physical seal (ink stamp or embosser).
Available in: All 50 states and DC.
What you need: Notary commission, physical seal, notary journal (required or recommended by state).
When NSAs encounter it: Most loan signings today are still traditional. A refinance or purchase package at the borrower's kitchen table is traditional notarization.
IPEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization)
Signer and notary are still physically in the same location — but documents are signed and notarized electronically rather than on paper. The notary uses a tablet or laptop; the signer signs digitally. The notary applies a digital seal.
Available in: Most states that have enacted electronic notarization laws. Authorization varies — some states require specific approved systems or registration.
What you need: A notary commission, authorization as an electronic notary (separate credential in most states), and approved IPEN software. EscrowTab is one platform designed specifically for NSA loan signings.
Advantages over traditional: No printing required. No scan-backs. Documents return to the title company the moment signing is complete. No lost or damaged paper packages.
When NSAs encounter it: Growing adoption in residential real estate. Some title companies actively request IPEN-capable notaries. Not yet the majority of orders, but accelerating.
RON (Remote Online Notarization)
Signer and notary are in different locations, connected via audio-video technology. Signer appears on camera, presents ID digitally, answers identity-verification questions (KBA), and signs electronically. The notary observes via webcam and applies a digital seal.
Available in: As of 2026, 48+ states have enacted RON legislation. Not yet implemented in a handful of states (California, DC, Massachusetts, North Carolina are enacted but not yet performable). Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina remain unauthorized.
What you need: State RON authorization (separate process from your notary commission), an approved RON platform (required by some states — not all), and equipment for audio-video sessions.
Platform approval: Some states require notaries to use platforms from an approved list. Others allow any platform that meets technical standards (open market). Check NNA's RON platform database for your state.
Identity verification: RON requires more rigorous ID verification than traditional notarization because the signer is not physically present. Most platforms combine KBA (knowledge-based authentication) plus biometric analysis of credential photos.
When NSAs encounter it: RON is common for some lenders handling out-of-state borrowers or convenience-driven refinances. You won't need RON to work full-time as an NSA, but RON-capable notaries can access a different pool of orders.
Which States Authorize RON?
As of early 2026:
Some authorized states require state-approved platforms. Others are open market. The NNA RON platform database is the authoritative reference — updated continuously.
The Key Differences at a Glance
Traditional: Same location, paper documents, physical seal. Available everywhere.
IPEN: Same location, electronic documents, digital seal. Requires separate e-notary authorization.
RON: Remote via audio-video, electronic documents, digital seal. Requires RON authorization and sometimes an approved platform. Most rigorous ID verification requirements.
How SigningOS Handles Each
SigningOS tracks loan type per order and surfaces the relevant compliance information. As RON and IPEN orders grow in your market, the app tracks them alongside traditional signings — same payment tracking, same credential reminders, same signing workflow.