Kentucky Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective January 1, 2020 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- KRS 423.355 (online notary public) and KRS 423.455 (remotely located individual)
- Bill Number
- SB 114 (2019 Ky. Acts ch. 86)
Kentucky RON Law Overview
Kentucky authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by SB 114 (2019 Ky. Acts ch. 86), codified at KRS 423.355 (online notary public) and KRS 423.455 (remotely located individual), effective January 1, 2020. A Kentucky online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Kentucky who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for Kentucky
Enacted by SB 114 (2019 Ky. Acts ch. 86). Signer location: Anywhere in a U.S. state; outside the U.S. if the record relates to a U.S. court/government matter, U.S. property or a U.S.-connected transaction and the act is not prohibited where the signer is (KRS 423.355(2)(b)). The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
Kentucky RON Requirements
Under Kentucky law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
Kentucky recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (KRS 423.345(1)).
Online Notary Availability in Kentucky
Notaron is available 24/7 across Kentucky. See location-specific guides for major Kentucky cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under KRS 423.355 (online notary public) and KRS 423.455 (remotely located individual). Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Kentucky-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Kentucky accept out-of-state RON?
Kentucky recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (KRS 423.345(1)).