Understanding Notarization in Georgia

If you are looking to have a document notarized in Georgia, you may have noticed that the rules look a little different here than in other states. While the world is moving rapidly toward digital solutions, Georgia has maintained a more traditional approach to its local notary commissions.

Here is the current breakdown of what is and isn’t allowed for notarization in the Peach State as of 2026.

Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) Legal for Georgia Notaries?

No. Currently, Georgia-commissioned notaries are not authorized to perform Remote Online Notarization.

While several bills (such as HB 289 and SB 90) have been introduced to the Georgia General Assembly to establish a permanent RON framework, they have not yet been fully enacted into law for local notaries. This means that a notary holding a Georgia commission must still witness your signature in person.

The “Interstate Recognition” Loophole: How You Can Still Notarize Online

Even though Georgia notaries can’t perform RON, Georgia residents can still have their documents notarized online. Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution and specific Georgia statutes (such as GA Code § 44-2-21), Georgia legally recognizes notarial acts performed correctly in other states.

How to use this to your advantage:

  1. You can use a platform like Secured Signing to connect with a notary commissioned in a state where RON is legal (like Virginia, Florida, or Texas).

  2. That notary verifies your identity and notarizes your document digitally.

  3. Because the act was legal in the notary’s home state, the document is typically accepted for use in Georgia.

     

Note: Always check with the receiving party (your bank, the court, or a government agency) to ensure they will accept an electronically notarized document from out-of-state, especially for real estate transactions.

Why the Wait for Georgia RON?

Georgia’s cautious approach is largely due to its unique “Attorney State” status regarding real estate. Lawmakers want to ensure that any move to digital notarization doesn’t bypass the requirement that a licensed Georgia attorney must oversee real estate closings to prevent fraud and protect consumers.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or opinion. The content may not reflect the latest legal developments. No action should be taken based on the information found here, and we disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site, to the fullest extent allowed by law. For advice on specific legal matters and jurisdictions, please consult with an attorney.