Remote Online Notary vs. In-Person Notary: Which Is Right for You?
- Jagannath Chalasani
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Getting a document notarized used to mean one thing: showing up somewhere in person with your ID and paperwork. But in Ohio, that's no longer your only option.
Since 2019, Ohio has authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) — a secure, legal way to get documents notarized from anywhere using your phone, tablet, or computer. No driving. No waiting rooms. No scheduling around someone else's office hours.
However, in-person notarization still has clear advantages for certain documents and situations. So which one is right for you? In this guide, we break down both options so you can choose with confidence.
What Is a Remote Online Notary (RON)?
Remote Online Notarization is a fully legal notarization completed over a live Zoom video call with a commissioned Ohio notary. You sign your document electronically in real time, your identity is verified, and the notary applies a tamper-evident digital seal.
At Notary of Lewis Center, our RON sessions run entirely through Zoom — no special software or app download required.
How It Works — Step by Step
Book your RON appointment online at notaryoflewiscenter.com.
Upload your PDF document before the session (no blank fields — complete all information first).
Join the Zoom call — we verify your identity using Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA), a short quiz drawn from public records, plus a government-issued photo ID scan.
E-sign your document in real time while we witness it on screen.
We apply our Ohio electronic seal and digital certificate — making the file tamper-evident.
Download your notarized PDF immediately — ready to use.
A $10 technology fee applies to all RON sessions in addition to the notarization fee.
What You Need
A phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone.
A stable internet connection.
A current government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license).
Your document uploaded as a PDF with no blank fields.
What Is In-Person Notarization?
In-person notarization is the traditional method — the notary physically witnesses you signing your document, verifies your identity with a government-issued photo ID, and applies an ink seal or stamp.
At Notary of Lewis Center, we offer two types of in-person notarization:
Mobile Notary — We come to you. Whether you're at home, your office, a hospital, a care facility, or a coffee shop, we travel to your location anywhere in Central Ohio.
In-Office Notary — You visit us at our Lewis Center location. Great for quick, straightforward documents when you're nearby.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON | REMOTE ONLINE (RON) | IN-PERSON (MOBILE/OFFICE) |
When to Choose Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON is the right choice when:
✅ You're out of state or traveling
If you're an Ohio resident currently living in another state or traveling for work, RON lets you notarize Ohio documents without flying home.
✅ You need it done fast — from anywhere
No commute, no waiting. If you have a laptop and 15 minutes, your document can be notarized today.
✅ You're sending documents internationally
Many countries and institutions now accept digitally notarized documents, especially for apostille processing.
✅ You have a busy schedule
RON appointments can often be scheduled same-day, evenings, or weekends — from your couch.
✅ You're an NRI or overseas Indian national
For OCI applications, affidavits, or Indian government documents, RON allows you to complete notarization from anywhere in the world.
✅ Your document is digital
If your document was created and sent electronically, RON keeps the entire process digital from start to finish.
When to Choose In-Person Notarization
In-person is the better choice when:
✅ You're notarizing a vehicle title
Ohio BMV requires a wet ink signature and physical notary seal on vehicle title transfers. RON is not accepted for this document type.
✅ You're signing a will or trust
Many estate attorneys and courts in Ohio still require original ink-signed, physically notarized documents for wills and trusts.
✅ Your institution specifically requires it
Some banks, mortgage lenders, and courts have not yet updated their policies to accept digitally notarized documents. Always check with the receiving party first.
✅ You're helping an elderly parent or family member
For clients who are less comfortable with technology — or who are in a hospital, nursing home, or care facility — our mobile notary service brings everything to them.
✅ Your document has a physical original
If you have an original paper document that cannot be scanned (like an older title or deed), in-person is required.
✅ You prefer face-to-face service
There's nothing wrong with wanting to meet your notary in person. Many clients simply feel more comfortable with a physical signature and ink seal.
Common Questions
Q: Is Remote Online Notarization legal in Ohio?
A: Yes. Ohio authorized RON in 2019 under Ohio Revised Code § 147.60–147.66. Notary of Lewis Center is a state-commissioned RON provider.
Q: Is a digitally notarized document as legally valid as a physical one?
A: In most cases, yes. Ohio law treats RON documents as legally equivalent to traditionally notarized documents. However, always confirm with the receiving institution — some banks and courts still have older policies.
Q: What do I need for a RON appointment?
A: A device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or laptop), a stable internet connection, and a government-issued photo ID. We'll walk you through the rest.
Q: Can I notarize a vehicle title online?
A: No. Ohio vehicle title transfers require a physical wet ink signature witnessed by an in-person notary. Book a mobile or in-office appointment for this.
Q: Can someone outside Ohio use your RON service?
A: Yes. As an Ohio-commissioned notary, we can notarize documents for Ohio residents located anywhere in the world, as well as for international documents that require Ohio notarization.
Q: How much does RON cost compared to in-person?
A: Remote Online Notarization starts at $30 per session plus a $10 technology fee. In-person notarization is $10 per signature, with a travel fee for mobile appointments depending on your distance from Lewis Center.
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
Here's a simple rule of thumb:
→ If you're in Central Ohio and your document requires an ink seal — choose In-Person.
→ If you're remote, traveling, or want the fastest option — choose RON.
→ If you're still not sure — just call or text us at (614) 438-5859 and we'll tell you in 60 seconds which option works best for your document.
Need Notary Services?
Notary of Lewis Center provides:
Remote Online Notary (RON)
Mobile Notary Services
In-Office Notary Services
Apostille Services
Vehicle Title Notary
Powers of Attorney
OCI & Passport Support
Court Document Notarization
Contact Notary of Lewis Center
📞 (614) 438-5859
Serving Lewis Center, Worthington, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, Delaware, Columbus, New Albany, Hilliard, Gahanna, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.
Where Documents Meet Care, and Clients Find Peace of Mind.
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