Remote Ink Notarizations (RIN) in 2026: What Every Notary Needs to Know

Written by Amy Curtis

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN) continues to expand across the United States, giving commissioned notaries another valuable option for serving clients who require an original ink-signed document but cannot appear in person. While many people confuse Remote Ink Notarization with Remote Online Notarization (RON), the two processes are very different, and understanding those differences is essential before accepting an assignment.

As more states adopt or refine their Remote Ink Notarization laws, notaries must stay informed about state-specific requirements, signer location restrictions, document handling procedures, declarations, recording requirements, and certificate wording.

Whether you're a commissioned notary looking to expand your services or a customer trying to determine whether Remote Ink Notarization is right for your situation, this guide will walk you through the basics.

What Is Remote Ink Notarization?

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN) allows a signer and notary to complete a notarization without being physically together while still using a traditional paper document with an original wet-ink signature.

Unlike Remote Online Notarization, the signer does not electronically sign the document. Instead, the signer physically signs the paper document before or during the remote process (depending on state law), ships the original document to the notary, and later meets with the notary using secure audiovisual technology.

The notary then completes the notarization on the original paper document after verifying the signer's identity and complying with that state's Remote Ink Notarization laws.

How the Remote Ink Process Works

Although every state has unique legal requirements, the general process follows these steps:

1. The signer completes the document using an original ink signature.

2. The original document is shipped to the commissioned notary.

3. A meeting is setup on the RON Platform, or other audio-video program permitted by state specific law.

4. The notary verifies the signer's identity according to state law.

5. The notary confirms the document received is the same document signed by the signer.

6. The notary completes the notarial certificate using an original ink signature and ink stamp.

7. The completed document is mailed to the signer, hiring company, attorney, title company, government agency, or other designated recipient.

Why Use Remote Ink Notarization?

Remote Ink Notarization is often the preferred solution when:

• The receiving agency requires an original ink signature.

• A foreign government will not accept electronically signed documents.

• An apostille or authentication requires an original notarized document.

• Estate planning documents require wet-ink originals.

• International shipping of original documents is necessary.

• A customer cannot appear before the notary in person.

For many international clients, Remote Ink Notarization bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional paper document requirements.

States That Currently Allow Remote Ink Notarization

Remote Ink laws continue to evolve, so always verify current statutes before accepting an assignment. As of 2026, states permitting some form of Remote Ink Notarization include:

• Alabama

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Illinois

• Kentucky

• Maine

• Maryland

• Montana

• New Jersey

• North Dakota

• South Dakota

• Texas

• Vermont

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

Each state has unique requirements regarding:

• Permitted notarial acts

• Signer location

• Declaration forms

• Return deadlines

• Certificate wording

• Audio-video recording requirements

• Record retention

• Jurisdictional limitations

Never assume that procedures from one state apply to another.

Examples of State Differences

One of the biggest misconceptions about Remote Ink Notarization is that every state follows the same process. They do not.

For example:

• Wyoming currently limits Remote Ink Notarizations to acknowledgments.

• Connecticut limits Remote Ink to documents connected to Connecticut jurisdiction and has additional restrictions involving certain real estate transactions.

• Illinois allows Remote Ink when the signer is physically located within the United States but not outside the country.

• Wisconsin requires the signer to be physically located in Wisconsin.

• Montana has special certificate wording depending on whether the signer is inside or outside the United States.

• Several states, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Texas, and Vermont, require statutory declarations and strict mailing deadlines.

Understanding these differences protects both the notary and the signer.

Remote Ink Is Not the Same as Remote Online Notarization

Although both use live audiovisual communication, the two notarization methods are fundamentally different.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

• Electronic documents

• Electronic signatures

• Electronic notarial seal

• Completed immediately

• Digital delivery

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)

• Paper documents

• Original ink signatures

• Physical notary seal

• Original document must be shipped

• Physical document returned after notarization

Knowing which process a customer actually needs is one of the most important skills a modern notary can develop.

Education Makes the Difference

Remote Ink Notarization is one of the fastest-growing specialty services available to commissioned notaries, especially for international clients, apostille requests, estate planning, higher education documents, and original documents destined for foreign governments.

However, because every state has its own statutes, successful Remote Ink Notaries understand much more than simply conducting a video call. They know how to:

• Determine whether Remote Ink is legally permitted.

• Verify signer location requirements.

• Review document eligibility.

• Prepare required declarations.

• Complete compliant notarial certificates.

• Handle document shipping securely.

• Maintain proper recordings and records.

• Avoid common compliance mistakes.

A properly performed Remote Ink Notarization protects the signer, the receiving agency, and the commissioned notary.

Written by Amy Curtis

Originally Published: 07/01/2026