August 12, 2025 - Sonic Loans

Remote Online Notarization (RON) enables a commissioned notary to witness and authenticate signatures using two-way audio-visual technology, eliminating the need for physical presence. For busy residents and businesses in Livonia, Michigan, RON can dramatically speed up closings, contracts, powers of attorney, and many other notarized transactions — but it comes with specific state rules you should know before you click “join meeting.” This guide explains how RON works in Michigan, what the law requires, how Livonia residents can utilize it, and provides practical tips for getting your documents notarized remotely and correctly.

Is RON legal in Michigan?

Yes — Michigan law permits remote electronic notarizations and establishes rules for their performance. The state’s notarial law was amended to allow certain remote notarizations (after legislation and executive action around 2018–2020), and the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts contains specific provisions for remote electronic notarization platforms, recordkeeping, and identity verification. These statutory rules form the baseline that all Michigan RON transactions must meet. Michigan Legislature DocuSign

Key legal requirements (the short version)

Michigan’s RON rules emphasize three core things:

Two-way, real-time audio-visual contact. The technology used must permit real-time sight and sound interaction between the signer, any witnesses, and the notary (so the notary can observe the signer signing). icle.org
Recording and consent. A notary may record the remote notarial act, but only after disclosure and the signer’s consent. Notaries are explicitly allowed to refuse a remote notarization if the signer objects to an audio/video recording. Michigan Legislature
Journal and record retention. Notaries performing RON must keep a secure journal and retain any audio/video recording as a notarial record for the statutory retention period (statute prescribes details such as minimum journal entries and retention timelines). Michigan Legislature

Those points are the backbone of Michigan’s approach: protect identity and deter fraud while allowing remote transactions to be treated, in most respects, like in-person notarizations.

Who can perform RON, and which platforms are eligible for use?

Not every notary or platform can immediately offer RON. Michigan requires a commissioned notary to select a state-approved electronic/remote notarization system; the state maintains lists and approval processes for vendors. In practice, a notary must hold an active Michigan commission, select an approved RON vendor, register that vendor with the Secretary of State, and adhere to the state’s technical and record-keeping rules. Several national RON providers have been approved to operate in the state of Michigan. National Notary Association co.hillsdale.mi.us

Typical RON workflow (for signers)

Schedule a session with a RON-enabled notary (often via the vendor’s portal).
Upload the document or sign during the session, present a government-issued ID (via camera capture), and complete identity authentication (typically via knowledge-based questions or multi-factor ID checks).
Participate in the two-way audiovisual session while the notary observes you sign (or, depending on the system, watches the electronic signing process).
Consent to any recording and receive a copy of the notarized document once the notary applies the electronic seal and certificate.
This process is engineered to mirror the integrity of in-person notarization while leveraging technology for convenience. National Notary Association pavaso.com

Uses and limits — what you can (and might not) notarize remotely

RON is widely used for real estate documents, business contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney, corporate paperwork, and many consumer agreements. Michigan’s law is written broadly so that, unless a specific statute requires physical presence for a particular document type, remote notarization is generally an option where both the notary and signer agree and the platform meets legal standards. That said, some types of documents—especially those governed by narrow probate or estate statutes (e.g., certain wills or guardianship filings)—may have special requirements; always check the specific statute or consult an attorney for high-stakes estate or probate instruments. icle.org lachmanplc.com

Practical steps for Livonia residents

Confirm the notary’s RON capability. Not all local notaries offer remote services — ask if they use an approved RON platform. If they don’t, the Michigan Secretary of State and several vendor portals let you search for RON-enabled notaries. National Notary Association co.hillsdale.mi.us
Prepare ID and tech. Have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport), a stable internet connection, a camera, and a microphone. Some platforms require you to answer identity-verification questions. pavaso.com
Ask about recording and storage. Because Michigan law requires disclosure and consent for recordings, the notary should explain how long recordings are kept, who the custodian is, and how to access a copy if you need one. Michigan Legislature
Check local municipal resources. For city-level questions (for example, if a municipal clerk is offering remote services or can point you to local RON providers), Livonia’s City Clerk office is the local first stop. If you’re unsure, contact the Livonia City Clerk for guidance or referral. Livonia Official Website

Fees, security, and consumer protections

RON fees vary by provider and document complexity; some platforms charge per notarization, while others use subscription or per-user pricing. Security is built into approved vendor platforms (encrypted storage, tamper-evident seals, identity proofing), but always confirm the platform’s security claims and ask for a copy of the notarized file and any associated certificate. If something seems wrong — e.g., identity questions you don’t recognize, a pressure to sign without time to read — stop and consult the notary or an attorney. co.hillsdale.mi.us Greenleaf Trust

Looking forward

RON has moved from pandemic-era emergency use to a regulated tool in Michigan’s notarial toolkit. Lawmakers and the Secretary of State continue to refine vendor approval processes, identity verification standards, and record-keeping rules. For Livonia residents, that means RON will likely become easier to access and more common among local banks, title companies, and law firms — as long as both signers and notaries follow Michigan’s legal safeguards. Harvey Norman Law Michigan Legislature

Bottom line: Remote notarization is a legal and convenient option in Michigan, including for Livonia residents — but it’s run under clear state rules: use an approved vendor, consent to recordings, and rely on a commissioned notary who maintains the required journal and records. For a RON appointment, start by finding a RON-enabled notary or calling the Livonia City Clerk for referrals. Gather your ID and be prepared for a short live video session to complete the notarization. National Notary Association Michigan Legislature Livonia Official Website

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article and want to explore more content on similar topics, check out our other blogs at Sonic Loans, Sonic Realty, and Sonic Title. We have a wealth of information designed to help you navigate the world of real estate and finance. Happy reading!

Are you looking for the right loan? Check out Sonic Loans for tailored mortgage solutions that make home financing simple and efficient.