·Dashboard
CA · RON Compliance Abstract

California

Implementing Effective 2024-01-01

AB 2017 / SB 696 — pending implementation

Read the statute

Compliance gates

The hard requirements NotaryChain enforces before sealing a California ceremony.

audio video

Live A/V conference

Real-time, recorded, encrypted

kba

Knowledge-Based Authentication

Federal/state public-record-sourced questions

id check

Credential analysis

Required

retention

Recording retention

Minimum 5 years (CA SOS proposed rule)

journal

Electronic journal

Required, signature + thumbprint capture

thumbprint

Biometric thumbprint

Required for real-property + power-of-attorney

Highlights

  • CA was historically the last large state without RON — SB 696 changes that.

  • Unique requirement: BIOMETRIC THUMBPRINT capture for real-property and POA notarizations.

  • Implementation regulations still in finalization phase (Q1 2026).

Restrictions

  • Wills (statute under review)

  • Some family-law instruments

Provider registration

California Online Notary Public commission — Required, renewable every 4 years.

Final regulations expected H2 2026 per CA SOS; out-of-state platforms must register.

Official filing page

Ready to ceremoniate in California?

Pipeline integration for California is on our roadmap. Talk to sales to fast-track it for your firm.

    Made with Emergent