Wisconsin Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective May 1, 2020
Live, commissioned notaries available 24/7 for Wisconsin residents.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. § 140.01 et seq.
- Bill Number
- AB 293
Wisconsin RON Law Overview
In 2019, Wisconsin enacted permanent remote online notarization (RON) legislation (AB 293) under Wis. Stat. § 140.01 et seq.. The law took effect on May 1, 2020. This landmark law enables notaries commissioned in Wisconsin to perform notarizations using two-way audio-video technology, allowing signers to appear before a notary remotely from anywhere. Wisconsin's RON framework establishes requirements for identity verification, electronic journaling, and tamper-evident technology to ensure the integrity of every online notarization.
Legal Citations
Wisconsin RON Requirements
Wisconsin 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. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. 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
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Document Restrictions
Wisconsin restricts certain document types from RON:
Wis. Stat. § 140.145(10) provides that the remote online notarization section does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by any law governing the creation and execution of: (a) wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts; (b) living trusts or trust amendments for personal use, not including a transaction as defined in § 137.11(15); (c) powers of attorney, not including either a transaction as defined in § 137.11(15) or a limited financial power of attorney for a real estate transaction; (d) marital property agreements; or (e) powers of attorney for health care, declarations to physicians (living wills), and authorizations for use and disclosure of protected health care information. Wisconsin does provide a separate route for these documents: Wis. Stat. § 140.147 allows estate planning documents to be executed remotely where the signing is supervised by an attorney licensed in Wisconsin, both parties are physically in Wisconsin, and the supervising attorney completes an affidavit of compliance. Notaron does not offer that attorney-supervised service, so these documents are outside what we can do online.
Interstate Recognition
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
Online Notary Availability in Wisconsin
Notaron is available 24/7 across Wisconsin. See location-specific guides for major Wisconsin cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Wis. Stat. § 140.01 et seq.. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Wisconsin-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin accept out-of-state RON?
Wisconsin generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.
Are there document restrictions for RON in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin restricts certain document types from being notarized via RON. Wis. Stat. § 140.145(10) provides that the remote online notarization section does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by any law governing the creation and execution of: (a) wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts; (b) living trusts or trust amendments for personal use, not including a transaction as defined in § 137.11(15); (c) powers of attorney, not including either a transaction as defined in § 137.11(15) or a limited financial power of attorney for a real estate transaction; (d) marital property agreements; or (e) powers of attorney for health care, declarations to physicians (living wills), and authorizations for use and disclosure of protected health care information. Wisconsin does provide a separate route for these documents: Wis. Stat. § 140.147 allows estate planning documents to be executed remotely where the signing is supervised by an attorney licensed in Wisconsin, both parties are physically in Wisconsin, and the supervising attorney completes an affidavit of compliance. Notaron does not offer that attorney-supervised service, so these documents are outside what we can do online. Check with local recording offices for the most current list of accepted document types.