North Dakota does not require a journal for traditional notarizations. For RON and RIN, a mandatory journal and 10-year A/V recording are required. North Dakota was the first state to enact RULONA 2018. The 6-year commission is one of the longest nationally. No separate RON commission — just SOS notification. NotaryAct is state-configured for North Dakota.
| ⚖️ North Dakota Notary Journal Law — Quick Reference | |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | NDCC Chapter 44-06.1 (RULONA 2018 — first state to enact) · NDCC § 44-06.1-13.1 (RON) |
| Traditional Journal | Not required · SOS recommends as best practice |
| RON/RIN Journal | Mandatory — must be maintained for all remote notarial acts ✓ |
| RON/RIN A/V Recording | Mandatory — 10-year retention ✓ |
| RIN Authorized | Yes — paper document, signer signs on camera, sends original within 3 days |
| RON Authorization | SOS notification required (FirstStop portal) · No separate RON commission · No extra fee |
| Thumbprint / Fingerprint | Not required · Not prohibited · Optional in NotaryAct ND configuration |
| Commission Term | 6 years — one of the longest nationally ✓ |
| Exam | Not required for traditional commission |
| Max Fee | Fees set by administrative regulation — verify current ND SOS guidance |
North Dakota holds a unique place in notary law history: it was the first state in the nation to enact the 2018 amendments to RULONA, including the remote online notarization provisions. This early adoption gave North Dakota notaries access to RON earlier than virtually any other state and made the state’s framework a reference model for others.
North Dakota also authorizes RIN (Remote Ink Notarization) — a hybrid where the document remains on paper. For RIN, acknowledgments only: the signer displays, identifies, and signs the paper document on camera. The signer adds a declaration to the document, and within 3 days sends the original to the notary, who completes the notarial certificate.
The 6-year commission term means North Dakota notaries renew less frequently than notaries in most other states. Combined with the no-RON-extra-commission model (just a FirstStop notification), North Dakota has one of the more streamlined notary administration frameworks in the country.
| 1 | Date and time — Auto-timestamped by NotaryAct. |
| 2 | Type of notarial act — Acknowledgment, jurat, oath, signature witnessing, copy certification. NotaryAct dropdown for all NDCC-authorized types. |
| 3 | Document description — NotaryAct dedicated field. |
| 4 | Signer name and address — Auto-filled via barcode scanner from any North Dakota driver’s license. |
| 5 | Identity verification — Personal knowledge, ID type/details, or credible witness. NotaryAct supports all three. For RON: multi-factor identity proofing (KBA + credential analysis). |
| + | Fee charged · Technology platform used (for remote acts) — NotaryAct includes fee field and platform notation for RON/RIN entries. |
✔ NotaryAct is state-configured for North Dakota: Full best-practice journal for traditional acts. Mandatory RON/RIN journal fields fully enabled with 10-year retention. A/V session documentation. Platform/provider field for RON entries.
Other state guides: Minnesota · Montana · Nebraska · Iowa · All 50 States →
NotaryAct is state-configured for North Dakota — mandatory RON/RIN journal compliance, 10-year A/V retention support, and best-practice records for traditional acts. Ready for the full length of your 6-year commission.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information reflects North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-06.1 as in effect June 2026. Consult the North Dakota Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov or qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.
