Montana Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws

RON Enacted

Effective October 1, 2019 · 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: Mont. Code Ann. §§ 1-5-603, 1-5-615, 1-5-618
Bill Number: HB 370 (Ch. 123, L. 2019)

Montana RON Law Overview

Montana authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by HB 370 (Ch. 123, L. 2019), codified at Mont. Code Ann. §§ 1-5-603, 1-5-615, 1-5-618, effective October 1, 2019. A Montana online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Montana who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.

Key details for Montana

Enacted by HB 370 (Ch. 123, L. 2019). Signer location: Anywhere; outside the US only if the act is not known to be prohibited there and the record relates to a US court/government matter, US property, or a transaction substantially connected with the US (§ 1-5-603). The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.

Legal Citations

Statute

Mont. Code Ann. §§ 1-5-603, 1-5-615, 1-5-618

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Montana RON Requirements

Montana requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. 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: Not required
KBA required: No
Commissioned in state: Required
RON endorsement: Required

Interstate Recognition

Montana recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Mont. Code Ann. § 1-5-605).

Online Notary Availability in Montana

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

Billings

Online notary in Billings, MT

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote online notarization legal in Montana?

Yes, Montana has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Mont. Code Ann. §§ 1-5-603, 1-5-615, 1-5-618. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Montana-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.

What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Montana?

Montana requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.

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

Yes, Montana 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 Montana?

Montana 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 Montana accept out-of-state RON?

Montana recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Mont. Code Ann. § 1-5-605).