Getting an electronic notary seal is a crucial step for notaries looking to perform remote online notarizations (RON). With digital notarization now legal in many U.S. states, understanding how to obtain and use an e-seal properly ensures your notarial acts remain secure, compliant, and legally valid. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from legal requirements to secure vendors.
What Is an Electronic Notary Seal?
An electronic notary seal is a digital version of your traditional ink stamp. It includes all the standard information—your name, commission number, state, and expiration date—but in a tamper-evident format that can be embedded into digital documents. Unlike a scanned image, a legal e-seal must meet your state’s formatting and security standards.
The National Notary Association explains that electronic seals must be issued by approved providers and used through a secure platform to meet compliance standards.
How to Get Your Electronic Notary Seal
1. Check Your State’s RON Laws
Not all states allow electronic notarizations. Before applying, visit your Secretary of State’s website to see if remote online notarization is authorized. States like Texas, Virginia, and Florida support RON fully, while others may have limited or pending legislation. You can also reference the NASS remote notarization guide to stay current.
2. Complete RON Authorization (If Required)
Even if you’re a commissioned notary, some states require you to take additional training, pass an exam, or apply separately to perform remote notarizations. This step ensures you understand the legal and technical aspects of online notarization.
3. Choose an Approved Technology Provider
You’ll need a secure platform that supports RON and is approved in your state. Common platforms include Notarize, BlueNotary, and DocuSign Notary. These platforms offer bundled services like digital signatures, audio-video capabilities, and secure document storage.
4. Purchase Your Electronic Notary Seal
Once authorized, you can buy your e-seal through a provider like Notary Rotary or directly from your platform vendor. Each state has specific formatting rules, so be sure the seal meets your state’s criteria (such as border styles, image resolution, and wording).
5. Upload and Test the Seal
Most e-seals are delivered in PNG or JPG format. Upload it to your RON platform and perform a test notarization to ensure it appears properly and adheres to your state’s guidelines. Some providers offer “test mode” for new users.
6. Store Your Seal Securely
Your electronic seal is legally binding. Treat it like a physical stamp: store it in a secure, password-protected environment. Never share it or allow unauthorized access. Use only encrypted, verified RON platforms for all notarial acts.
How Much Does an Electronic Notary Seal Cost?
Prices vary depending on the provider and whether you bundle services:
- Electronic seal only: $15–$40
- Digital certificate + e-seal bundle: $60–$100
- Full RON platform with tools: $200+ per year
Many notaries prefer bundled solutions for convenience and state compliance.
Getting an electronic notary seal isn’t just about going digital—it’s about working legally, securely, and efficiently in a modern, remote-first world. Whether you’re starting a notary business or expanding into RON services, taking the time to get a compliant e-seal is a smart investment. To stay compliant and informed, check your state’s official guidelines and use trusted platforms approved for remote notarization.