The demand for remote online notarization (RON) has surged nationwide as technology enables more efficient legal and business transactions. However, the state of Georgia has taken a cautious approach. As of 2025, Georgia does not authorize commissioned Georgia notaries to perform RON under permanent law, though out-of-state remote notarizations may be recognized if properly done.
This article explains the legal status, alternatives, recognition of out-of-state RON, and what Georgia residents should know when dealing with online or remote notarization.
2. Legal Status in Georgia
In-person requirement
Under Georgia law, notarizations must generally involve the physical appearance of the signer before a Georgia-commissioned notary public. Online or remote notarizations (via real-time audio-video) are not currently permitted for Georgia notaries.
One official resource explains:
“Georgia-commissioned notaries public are not currently authorized to perform remote online notarization.”
Temporary pandemic authorizations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia issued executive orders allowing some remote notarization or audio/video presence in certain contexts (e.g., for real estate closings). However, these orders have expired and no permanent RON statute has been enacted.
Legislative efforts
There have been legislative efforts such as House Bill 334 (HB 334) proposing to authorize RON and create a “remote online notary” category in Georgia. But as of 2025, the bill has not become law.
Therefore, Georgia remains a jurisdiction where RON is not yet legalized for Georgia-commissioned notaries.
3. Use of Out-of-State RON for Georgia Documents
Although Georgia doesn’t allow its own notaries to perform remote online notarizations, Georgia does recognize notarizations that are properly performed under the laws of another state where RON is legal.
In practice:
- A notary commissioned in a state where RON is legal (e.g., Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania) can remote-notarize a document for a Georgia resident.
- Provided that the notarization complies with the verifying state’s rules, Georgia may accept the document under its recognition statutes.
Important caveats: - The receiving party in Georgia (e.g., a bank, title company, government office) must accept the out-of-state remote notarization.
- The notarization must follow the law of the state where the notary is commissioned.
- Some entities may still require physical notarization if they prefer in-state, in-person notarization.
4. Implications for Georgia Residents & Businesses
If you need notarization in Georgia:
- Use a traditional in-person notarization with a Georgia notary. The signer must appear physically before the notary.
- Consider using an out-of-state RON service if speed and convenience are critical, and confirm up-front that the Georgia receiving entity will accept it.
- Confirm the type of document being notarized and whether the remote approach is acceptable.
What to check:
- Does the document require notarization specifically by a Georgia notary?
- Will the recipient accept an out-of-state remote notarization?
- Are there witness or location requirements (especially for real estate or estate-planning documents) that would complicate remote notarization?
- Ensure the remote notary’s commissioning state has an established permanent RON framework and the platform used meets its standards.
Benefits & risks:
Benefits (when using out-of-state RON):
- Convenience, speed, accessible from anywhere, reduced travel or scheduling delay.
Risks:
- The Georgia recipient may reject the document if they do not accept out-of-state RON.
- Technical or identity-verification failures could undermine notarization validity.
- Unfamiliarity by Georgia entities with remote notarization may cause delays.
5. The Path Ahead
Georgia is considered one of the states still without a permanent RON law for its own notaries. Nationwide trend suggests:
- Many states have adopted RON laws in recent years under model statutes like the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA).
- Georgia may consider forthcoming legislation that addresses privacy, identity proofing, technical standards, recordkeeping, and interstate recognition.
- Business demand, especially for real estate, lending, and remote work contexts, may increasingly drive legislative consideration.
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Georgia (2025) |
|---|---|
| RON by Georgia-commissioned notaries | Not currently authorized |
| In-person requirement | Yes, signer appears physically before notary |
| Out-of-state RON recognition | Yes, if compliant with commissioning state’s law and accepted by recipient |
| Legislative status | Efforts made (e.g., HB 334) but no permanent law yet |
| Best option for Georgia residents | In-person notarization in Georgia or out-of-state RON with acceptance check |
Final Thoughts
While online notarization is increasingly mainstream in the U.S., Georgia remains among the jurisdictions that require physical presence for in-state notaries. However, Georgia residents and businesses are not completely blocked from remote solutions—using a properly-commissioned out-of-state RON provider is a viable workaround if the receiving party will accept it.
If you’re planning a notarial transaction involving Georgia, it’s wise to verify the recipient’s requirements, clarify whether remote notarization is acceptable, and choose a route that ensures compliance and enforceability.