The basics
What is remote online notarization?
Remote online notarization—often shortened to RON—allows a commissioned notary and signer to meet through live, two-way audio-video communication. The document is handled electronically, identity checks occur through the remote platform, and the notary completes an electronic notarial certificate and seal.
Michigan law permits a notary who meets its remote-notarization requirements to use a state-approved platform. During a Lakebound appointment, Kayse remains physically located in Michigan and uses BlueNotary for the secure session.
It is live—not an upload-only service. The signer and notary communicate in real time. Michigan requires identity proofing and credential analysis. The approved system must maintain an audio or visual recording for 10 years; before recording, the notary discloses that it will be made, explains how it will be preserved, and obtains the requester’s consent.
Read MCL 55.286bLocation
The notary stays in Michigan. An eligible signer may be elsewhere.
Kayse must be physically located in Michigan when performing the remote act. A signer may be elsewhere, including outside the United States, if the signer can complete BlueNotary’s identity-verification process and Kayse can lawfully perform the requested act. Platform support, document requirements, and the receiving organization’s acceptance may limit whether a session can proceed.
For a non-U.S. signer, confirm before booking that BlueNotary supports the signer’s issuing country and identification credential.
Ask the intended recipient—such as the court, agency, title company, bank, school, or other organization—whether it accepts a remotely notarized electronic document for your particular purpose.
Appointment preparation
Five things to have ready.
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01
A complete document
Have the full document in an accepted digital format. Leave any signature that must be witnessed blank until Kayse or the platform instructs you to sign.
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02
Current photo identification
You will need an unexpired government-issued identification credential containing your photograph and signature that the platform can image and analyze. Supported credentials vary by issuing country, so confirm eligibility before the appointment.
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03
A suitable device and connection
Use a device with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet place where you can speak with the notary.
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04
Every required participant
Make sure each required signer and witness is available for the live appointment. Witness needs depend on the document and cannot be invented by the notary.
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05
Recipient confirmation
Confirm that the receiving organization accepts remote online notarization and an electronic document before you schedule.
Common services
Three notarial acts commonly completed online.
Acknowledgment
You appear before the notary, establish your identity, and acknowledge that the signature on the record is yours.
Jurat or sworn statement
You sign in the notary’s live virtual presence and take an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are truthful.
Signature witnessing
You sign the record during the live session while the notary verifies your identity and witnesses the act.
The document—not the notary—must tell you which notarial act or certificate is required. If it does not, ask the document’s issuer, recipient, or a qualified attorney.
Document fit
Can every document be notarized online?
No. People commonly request notarization for affidavits, powers of attorney, estate and financial documents, business forms, and personal records, but a document’s title does not determine whether it can be completed remotely.
Eligibility depends on the requested notarial act, the document, applicable law, the location of the participants, and the receiving party’s requirements. Some records may require an in-person process, original paper handling, particular witnesses, or another professional’s review.
Document ready?Make sure it is complete and identifies the needed notarial act.
Recipient accepts RON?Confirm the organization will accept the completed electronic record.
Notary authorized?Kayse confirms whether she can perform the requested act.
Notarial boundaries
What a Michigan notary cannot do.
A notary verifies identity, administers an oath or affirmation when required, witnesses or acknowledges a signature, and completes the appropriate notarial certificate. Lakebound does not:
- give legal advice or explain the legal effect of a document;
- draft, prepare, or revise documents;
- decide which notarial act or certificate a signer needs; or
- guarantee that a document is legally sufficient or will be accepted.
If your document does not state what type of notarization is required, contact its issuer or recipient. For legal questions, consult a qualified attorney.
Official source
Michigan law behind this guide.
This overview is based on Michigan’s Law on Notarial Acts and current Michigan Department of State guidance. Requirements can change, so consult the official materials for the current controlling language.
Michigan Legislature MCL 55.286b remote electronic notarization Current statutory requirements for remote electronic notarization Michigan Department of State Notary services and official notary manual Notarization methods, authorized acts, identification, and notarial boundaries Michigan Bureau of Elections Standards for electronic and remote notarizations Live audio-video technology, identification, credential analysis, and platform standards Michigan Department of State Approved electronic and remote-notarization vendors Current state list supporting Lakebound’s use of BlueNotaryThis page provides general information about the notarial process. It is not legal advice.