California remote online notarization is not available yet
Senate Bill 696 authorized a California RON framework, but California-commissioned notaries cannot perform RON as of 2026. Cal. Gov. Code § 8231.2 keeps California RON off until the Secretary of State adopts rules and finishes the technology project (statutory backstop January 1, 2030). If you were told you need a California notarization, you need an in-person California notary.
How the appointment works
- If the document must be a California notarial act or must record in California, book an in-person California notary (mobile, office, or hospital).
- Bring photo ID. For a POA or deed, expect a journal thumbprint.
- Do not pre-sign. Do not book "California RON" on a platform ad.
- If someone offers out-of-state RON while you sit in California, ask the recorder or counsel whether they will take that other state's certificate. For California recording, the answer is usually no.
What people do instead
Book a mobile California notary at home, office, or hotel. That is the lawful California notarial act today.
Some out-of-state RON platforms will take a signer who is sitting in California, using another state's commission. That can work only if the receiving party will accept a non-California certificate. California county recorders generally will not. Do not use that path for a document that must record in California.
Why this page exists
Platform ads rank for "California RON" while the statute is not operational for California notaries. Citing Gov. Code § 8231.2 and the January 1, 2030 backstop is the accurate answer until the SOS publishes a go-live date.
Official instructions: California Secretary of State notary. Statewide notary rules live on the California notary hub.
City pages: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco.