Minnesota Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 31, 2019
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2018
- Statute
- Minn. Stat. § 358.645 et seq.
- Bill Number
- HF 3393
Minnesota RON Law Overview
In 2018, Minnesota enacted comprehensive RON legislation (HF 3393) that authorizes remote online notarization under Minn. Stat. § 358.645 et seq.. The law took effect on July 31, 2019. Under this framework, Minnesota-commissioned notaries can conduct notarizations via secure audio-video communication without requiring the signer's physical presence. The law sets standards for identity proofing through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, ensuring remote notarizations carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations.
Legal Citations
Minnesota RON Requirements
Under Minnesota 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
Minnesota generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in Minnesota, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2018 under Minn. Stat. § 358.645 et seq.. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Minnesota-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota accept out-of-state RON?
Minnesota generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.