Electronic Notary vs Notary Public: What's the Difference?
Notary terminology has a habit of multiplying faster than it gets defined. “eNotary,” “electronic notary,” “online notary,” “Remote Online Notary” — these terms get used almost interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they don’t technically all mean the exact same thing. Here’s the untangling.
The Terms, Defined Separately
Notary public is the baseline: someone commissioned by the state to witness signatures, verify identity, and notarize documents. This has existed for centuries, long before anything was electronic.
Electronic notary (eNotary) refers to a notary using electronic signatures and digital seals instead of pen-and-ink and a physical stamp. Technically, this can still happen with the notary and signer in the same physical room — the “electronic” part describes the signature and seal technology, not necessarily the meeting format.
Remote Online Notary (RON) goes a step further: not only is the signature electronic, but the entire meeting happens remotely, over live audio-video technology. RON is a specific legal category with its own commission requirements in Florida, distinct from simply using electronic signature tools.
Why This Distinction Rarely Matters in Practice
Here’s the practical reality: almost nobody today offers “in-person eNotary but not RON” as a distinct service. In everyday use, when people say “eNotary” or “electronic notary,” they almost always mean what Florida law formally calls Remote Online Notarization — a fully remote session, verified identity, electronic signature, electronic seal, all in one.
So while the terms have technical differences, if you’re searching for a way to get something notarized without leaving your house, you’re looking for RON, regardless of which term brought you here.
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What Florida Law Actually Calls It
For what it’s worth, Florida Statutes Chapter 117 primarily uses “online notarization” and “Remote Online Notary” as the formal terms — “eNotary” isn’t the statutory language, even though it’s common shorthand. If you’re reading legal documents or official correspondence about this topic, expect “RON” or “online notarization,” not “eNotary.”
A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Traditional Notary Public | eNotary (in-person) | Remote Online Notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting format | In person | In person | Live video |
| Signature type | Wet ink | Electronic | Electronic |
| Seal type | Physical stamp | Digital | Digital |
| Requires travel | Yes | Yes | No |
Does It Change What You Need to Do?
Not really. Whether you call it eNotary, online notary, or RON, the actual process is the same from your end:
- Book a session
- Verify your identity (ID scan plus verification questions)
- Meet the notary over video
- Sign electronically
- Receive your notarized document
The terminology differences matter to notary law nerds; they don’t change your appointment.
Where Easy Day Notary Fits In
Easy Day Notary performs Remote Online Notary sessions through BlueNotary — a fully remote, electronic process regardless of which specific term you searched to find it. If you came here looking for an “eNotary,” you’ve found the right service.
Booking Your Session
Ready to get something notarized without the drive? Schedule a session or reach out with questions about your specific document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an eNotary the same thing as a Remote Online Notary?
They're closely related but not identical. An eNotary uses electronic signatures and seals, sometimes still in person. RON specifically means the entire notarization, including the meeting itself, happens remotely over video.
Can an eNotary notarize a document without meeting the signer at all?
Not for a standard eNotary act, if that act still requires an in-person meeting — the 'electronic' part refers to the signature and seal method, not necessarily the meeting format. RON is the category that removes the in-person requirement entirely.
Does Florida use the term 'eNotary' officially?
Florida's statutes primarily use the terms 'online notarization' and 'Remote Online Notary' rather than 'eNotary,' though the terms are used interchangeably in everyday conversation.
Which one do I actually need?
In practice, if you're looking to get something notarized entirely from home over video, you're looking for RON. The distinction rarely changes what you need to do — book a session, verify your identity, and sign.