Michigan Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws

RON Enacted

Effective September 30, 2018 · Last verified September 2026

Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.

Quick Facts

Status: RON Enacted
Year Enacted: 2018
Statute: Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.286b
Bill Number: HB 5811 (2018 PA 330); amended by 2018 PA 360 and 2020 PA 249

Michigan RON Law Overview

Michigan authorized remote online notarization in 2018 by HB 5811 (2018 PA 330); amended by 2018 PA 360 and 2020 PA 249, codified at Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.286b, effective September 30, 2018. A Michigan online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Michigan 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. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.

Key details for Michigan

Enacted by HB 5811 (2018 PA 330); amended by 2018 PA 360 and 2020 PA 249.

Legal Citations

Statute

Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.286b

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Regulations

Michigan Department of State, Standards for Electronic and Remote Notarizations (issued under MCL 55.286b)

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Michigan RON Requirements

Michigan requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed 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: No
Commissioned in state: Required
RON endorsement: Required

Interstate Recognition

Michigan recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.285a).

Online Notary Availability in Michigan

Notaron is available 24/7 across Michigan. See location-specific guides for major Michigan cities:

Detroit

Online notary in Detroit, MI

Grand Rapids

Online notary in Grand Rapids, MI

Lansing

Online notary in Lansing, MI

Ann Arbor

Online notary in Ann Arbor, MI

Flint

Online notary in Flint, MI

Kalamazoo

Online notary in Kalamazoo, MI

All Michigan cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote online notarization legal in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2018 under Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.286b. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Michigan-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.

What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Michigan?

Michigan requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID for all remote online notarizations.

Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan 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 Michigan?

Michigan 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 Michigan accept out-of-state RON?

Michigan recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.285a).