How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Iowa: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Iowa is an excellent way to expand your services and meet the increasing demand for digital convenience. RON allows commissioned notaries to perform notarizations online through secure audio-video technology. This guide walks you through the full process of becoming a Remote Online Notary in Iowa.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Commission Requirements

Before you can perform remote notarial acts, you must already be a commissioned notary in Iowa. To obtain your commission:

• Complete the Application for Notary Commission.
• Pay the $30 commission fee.

Under Iowa Code Chapter 9B, notaries must also register with the Iowa Secretary of State to perform Remote Online Notarizations. Registration is required, but there is no additional fee to become a Remote Online Notary.

Step 2: Complete Remote Notarization Training

Training is strongly recommended to ensure you understand Iowa’s legal, technical, and procedural requirements for remote notarization. Proper training helps you stay compliant, understand identity verification methods, and navigate RON technology confidently.

If you train through ProNotary, we provide guidance built specifically for Iowa’s RON standards.

Step 3: Choose an Approved Remote Notarization Platform

Iowa requires Remote Online Notaries to use approved RON software equipped with secure identity verification, credential analysis, tamper-evident technology, and retention tools. Regular video-chat apps such as Zoom, Skype, or Facebook do not qualify.

ProNotary is an approved Iowa RON vendor and offers a fully compliant platform for online notarization.

Step 4: Follow Iowa’s Record-Keeping and Privacy Requirements

Iowa law requires notaries to record every remote notarial act and store that recording securely. Only the actual notarial act should be recorded, not identity verification steps or knowledge-based authentication questions.

Record-Keeping Best Practices

• Ensure your recordings follow Iowa’s retention laws.
• Use secure storage provided by your RON platform.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect client information.

Step 5: Register with the Iowa Secretary of State

After you have your commission, training, and approved RON software, you can submit your Remote Online Notary registration to the Iowa Secretary of State. Once approved, you may begin performing online notarizations statewide.

Benefits of Becoming a Remote Online Notary in Iowa

• Serve clients anywhere with internet access.
• Meet rising demand for digital notarization services.
• Work flexible hours from home or remotely.
• Expand your business with modern, in-demand offerings.

Start Your RON Journey in Iowa

Becoming a Remote Online Notary is one of the most effective ways to grow your notary business in a digital-first world. With clear state guidelines and a compliant platform like ProNotary, the process is straightforward and accessible.

Please note that requirements may change. Always refer to the Iowa Secretary of State for the most current information.