Most people don’t think about notaries until they suddenly need one, and then they need one fast. If you’ve started searching, you’ve probably run into two options that sound similar but work very differently: remote online notarization (RON) and a mobile notary. Both get your document legally notarized in Florida. They just get there in different ways, and one is usually a better fit depending on what you’re signing and who needs to be there.
Here’s how to tell which one you need in under five minutes.
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
RON lets you get a document notarized entirely online, through a live, recorded video session with a Florida-commissioned online notary. Under Fla. Stat. § 117.265, the notary has to be physically located in Florida during the session, but you don’t. Neither do any witnesses. That’s what makes it useful for out-of-state signers, split-up families, or anyone who just can’t fit an in-person appointment into their week.
During the session, the notary verifies your identity through your government-issued ID and a knowledge-based identity check, watches you sign, and notarizes the document on the spot. The entire session is recorded and retained for 10 years under Florida law, which actually gives RON a stronger paper trail than a traditional in-person notarization in most cases.
What Is a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is exactly what it sounds like: the notary comes to you. Home, hospital room, hospice, office, coffee shop, wherever makes sense. It’s in-person notarization with the convenience of not having to drive anywhere or coordinate around a UPS Store’s hours.
Mobile notary work covers the same range of documents as RON: healthcare directives, custody and family agreements, wills and trusts, guardianship paperwork, and real estate documents. The difference is entirely about how the appearance happens, in person versus by video, not what can be notarized.
RON vs. Mobile Notary at a Glance
| Remote Online Notarization | Mobile Notary | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it happens | Wherever you are, by video | Wherever you are, in person |
| Best for | Out-of-state signers, tight timelines, split-up families | Hospital or hospice visits, signers who prefer in person |
| Signer location | Anywhere with a stable internet connection | Must be reachable within our service area |
| Record kept | Recorded video session, retained 10 years | Notarial journal entry |
| Typical turnaround | Same day, often within hours | Same day, scheduled around travel time |
When RON Makes More Sense
- You or another signer live out of state. This is the single biggest reason people choose RON. If a health care surrogate, co-trustee, or family member lives in another state, RON eliminates the need to mail documents back and forth or fly someone in.
- You need it done today. Without travel time built in, RON sessions can often happen faster than scheduling a home visit.
- Everyone involved is comfortable with video calls. RON works best when signers are reasonably tech-comfortable. If someone’s uneasy with video or has poor internet access, mobile notary is usually the smoother experience.
- You’re signing from work, a hotel, or anywhere without a private space to meet in person.
When Mobile Notary Makes More Sense
- You’re in a hospital, hospice, or rehab facility. Bedside signings almost always work better in person, both for the signer’s comfort and because facility staff are often more familiar with in-person notarization.
- The signer isn’t comfortable with technology. Plenty of our clients, especially older adults, would rather have a person sit across the table from them than navigate a video platform.
- You want a wet-ink original on hand immediately, which some lenders, courts, or institutions still prefer even when RON is legally accepted.
- Multiple family members in the same house need to sign at once, which is often simpler face to face.
How This Plays Out Across Different Documents
- Healthcare directives (living wills, health care surrogate designations, HIPAA authorizations): Both options work well. RON is especially useful when an out-of-state family member needs to be named as surrogate.
- Custody and family agreements: Mobile notary is common for in-person co-parenting sign-offs; RON is useful when one parent lives out of state.
- Wills and trusts: Many families prefer mobile notary for these, especially when multiple family members or a notary-witness combination need to be in the same room.
- Guardianship paperwork: Often involves court deadlines, so whichever option gets it done fastest and most reliably is usually the right call. We’ll tell you honestly which one that is for your situation.
- Real estate documents: Both are common depending on whether all parties are local or scattered across state lines, and depending on lender requirements.
What About Cost?
Florida law caps the notarial act fee itself under Fla. Stat. § 117.05, but travel time, printing, scan-back service, and witness coordination aren’t regulated the same way and vary by provider. We’re upfront about this before we ever show up or log on, whichever service you book.
How Seal Now Helps
We offer both, and we’ll tell you honestly which one fits your situation instead of steering you toward whichever is more convenient for us. If you’re not sure, just describe what you’re signing and who needs to be involved. We’ll walk you through the right option in a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida has authorized RON since 2020 under Fla. Stat. § 117.265, performed by notaries who hold both a standard Florida notary commission and a separate online notary registration.
Is RON as legally valid as an in-person notarization?
Yes. A document notarized through RON carries the same legal weight as one notarized in person, and the recorded video session often provides stronger documentation than an in-person appointment alone.
Can I use RON if I’m not in Florida?
Yes, as long as the notary is physically located in Florida during the session. This is one of the main reasons people choose RON: the signer’s location doesn’t matter.
Which is faster, RON or mobile notary?
RON is usually faster since there’s no travel time involved, though mobile notary appointments are often available same day as well.
Can real estate closings use RON in Florida?
Yes, with some lender and title company restrictions that vary by transaction. We’ll confirm with your title company or lender before scheduling.
Still not sure which one fits your situation? Reach out or book directly at https://sealnow.co/#book and tell us what you’re signing. We’ll point you to the right option, no upsell.