RON Authorization in Michigan
Michigan has authorized Remote Online Notarization since 2018 (effective April 30, 2018) under Public Act 238 of 2016; Electronic Notarization Standards. To perform RON in Michigan, a notary must hold a current Michigan commission and obtain separate electronic notarization authorization from the Secretary of State. The standard commission alone does not authorize remote notarizations. The authorization process requires designating the approved RON platform you will use — switching platforms requires updating your authorization.
Michigan RON Quick Facts
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RON authorized since | 2018 (effective April 30, 2018) |
| Governing law | Public Act 238 of 2016; Electronic Notarization Standards |
| Platform requirement | Must be registered with Michigan Secretary of State |
| KBA identity verification | Yes |
| Credential analysis | Yes |
| Journal + recording retention | 5 years |
| Verify current rules at | michigan.gov/sos |
Michigan's Early RON Adoption
Michigan was one of the first states in the country to authorize Remote Online Notarization, doing so under Public Act 238 of 2016 with standards that took effect in April 2018. Michigan's early adoption gives it one of the longest RON track records of any state, which translates to higher lender acceptance rates and more title company experience with RON closings than in states with newer RON frameworks.
Michigan's Unique Commission Structure
Michigan notaries have a distinctive credential: Michigan resident notaries receive a permanent commission that does not expire as long as they remain Michigan residents. Non-resident notaries can obtain a 4-year term commission. For RON authorization, Michigan notaries must apply to the Secretary of State for electronic notarization authorization separately from their commission. The permanent commission itself does not confer RON authority.
Identity Verification for Michigan RON
Michigan requires both knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and credential analysis for RON identity verification. The platform handles both automatically. Michigan's Electronic Notarization Standards specify that identity verification must meet the requirements of the approved platform provider as registered with the Secretary of State.
Michigan RON Record Retention
Michigan requires a 5-year minimum retention period for electronic journal entries and audio-visual recordings of RON sessions. The Michigan Secretary of State maintains oversight authority and may request access to records during this period. Most approved RON platforms maintain records automatically and provide notaries with access to their session archives.
Michigan Real Estate and RON
Michigan's major real estate markets — Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor — have been early adopters of RON for residential loan closings. Michigan's early RON legislation, passed in 2016 before most states had even begun discussing the concept, gave the Michigan title industry years to develop RON workflows before the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption nationwide. Signing agents in Michigan's urban markets encounter RON assignments more regularly than those in most other states.
Right of Rescission and Michigan RON
The federal 3-day right of rescission applies to Michigan RON-executed refinances and HELOCs on primary residences. Electronic delivery of the Notice of Right to Cancel through the RON platform satisfies the federal delivery requirement. The platform generates a timestamped record of notice delivery and borrower acknowledgment.
What Is KBA and Why It Sometimes Fails
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is a real-time identity verification method that presents signers with multiple-choice questions drawn from public records — prior addresses, vehicles registered in their name, former employers or associates. The signer must answer correctly within a time limit, typically 2–3 minutes for 5 questions.
KBA fails for certain signer profiles: people with thin public records (young adults, recent immigrants, or individuals who have lived off the credit system), people who have recently moved or changed their information significantly, and occasionally people who are simply nervous and second-guess correct answers. When KBA fails, the RON session cannot proceed on most platforms. The title company must be notified immediately so they can arrange an in-person alternative.
This limitation means RON is not a universal solution — it works well for the majority of borrowers but will occasionally require an in-person fallback. Building both RON capability and in-person capacity ensures you can serve any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Michigan has authorized Remote Online Notarization since 2018 (effective April 30, 2018) under Public Act 238 of 2016; Electronic Notarization Standards. Notaries must obtain separate RON authorization from the Secretary of State, use an approved platform, and maintain electronic journal and audio-visual recording for 5 years.
Yes. A standard Michigan commission does not automatically authorize RON. You must apply for and receive electronic notarization authorization from the Secretary of State separately, designating the approved platform you will use.
State authorization does not guarantee lender acceptance. Individual lenders set their own policies. Always confirm with the title company that the specific lender accepts RON before scheduling a remote session.
RON is conducted through a specialized approved platform — not via a standard video call. You need a computer with a working camera and microphone, a reliable high-speed internet connection, and an active account with a Michigan Secretary of State-approved RON platform. Each platform has its own system requirements.
RON platform fees (typically $25–$35 per session) reduce net income per appointment compared to in-person signings. However, RON eliminates mileage and travel time costs, which can improve effective hourly rate for high-volume agents. Most signing agents treat RON as a supplement to in-person work rather than a replacement. See our income estimator to model your specific situation.