Arkansas Electronic Notary rules are narrow but usable. A commissioned Arkansas notary in good standing can add electronic notarization rights and may also add remote online notarization if the approved technology and location rules are met.
What is an Arkansas eNotary?
An Arkansas eNotary is a notary public who uses a digital signature, a digital seal, and a digital certificate to notarize electronic documents. The Arkansas Secretary of State says this can happen either in person or remotely, depending on the technology used.
This role is different from a paper-only notary. For electronic acts, Arkansas requires an approved solution provider and a tamper-evident electronic certificate process.
Who can apply?
You must already be an Arkansas notary in good standing before applying for the electronic commission. The Secretary of State also notes that if your regular commission is close to expiring, you may want to wait and renew first because the eNotary commission ends on the same date as the paper commission.
The state also says there is a specific online application for the electronic notary commission. The application fee is $25, made up of a $20 filing fee and a $5 convenience fee.
Arkansas eNotary requirements
Arkansas places the commission, technology, and control requirements on the notary. The eNotary must use an approved solution provider, and the electronic signature and seal must remain under the notary’s sole control.
The electronic seal must be unique, independently verifiable, and attached in a tamper-evident way. Arkansas law also limits the use of the electronic signature and seal to electronic notarial acts only.
The state’s eNotary page also says refresher training is required every two years.
Process to become one
The state’s process has three main steps. First, apply online for the electronic notary commission. Second, complete the online training and exam. Third, register with an approved solution provider.
The Arkansas Secretary of State says the training and exam are offered online through the American Society of Notaries. The course/exam fee is $30, and proof of completion is issued right away if the applicant passes.
A practical point matters for law firms: if the notary wants to do remote online notarizations, the notary must choose a solution provider that supports RON, not only in-person electronic notarization.
In-person eNotary acts
For in-person electronic notarization, Arkansas still requires the signer to appear physically before the electronic notary. State law says the signer must appear in person, and the notary cannot rely only on the electronic signature or an out-of-person verification process.
That means an eNotary is not a shortcut around personal appearance. It is a different format for the same face-to-face notarial act.
Remote online notarization
Arkansas allows remote notarization for Arkansas eNotaries in good standing when they use approved RON technology. The Secretary of State says the notary must be physically in Arkansas, but the signer may be outside the state.
The approved technology must include secure audio-video capability plus identity proofing and credential analysis. The state also says the recording must be retained for five years.
For firms, this is the key operational rule: remote notarization is permitted only through approved RON technology, not consumer video tools like FaceTime or Zoom.
Core legal limits
Arkansas law requires the electronic act to run through an approved solution provider. It also requires the electronic certificate to include all information needed for a paper notarization, plus the electronic signature and seal.
The law treats bad electronic notarization the same way it treats bad paper notarization for liability, sanctions, and remedies. Arkansas also says the notary must not disclose access information except in limited situations such as law enforcement, courts, or a vendor.
The Secretary of State also warns that fraud involving remote notarization is a Class D felony.
What law firms should do
Small and mid-size firms should build a simple checklist before using an Arkansas electronic notary. Confirm the notary is in good standing, confirm the provider is approved, confirm the act is in-person or RON, and confirm the signer identity process matches Arkansas.
Firms should also store proof of which platform was used, since the platform choice affects whether the act was only electronic or also remote. This matters for audit defense, title work, and later litigation support.
How to Draft and Submit a Court Service and Filing Affidavit
Common workflow
A clean Arkansas eNotary workflow looks like this:
- Confirm the document is ready for electronic notarization.
- Confirm the notary’s commission status.
- Confirm the approved solution provider.
- Verify signer identity using the correct method.
- Complete the electronic certificate.
- Attach the electronic signature and seal in a tamper-evident way.
- Retain the record according to the platform and Arkansas.
This workflow helps operations teams reduce rework. It also lowers the risk of void or challenged notarizations.
Notary terms that matter
| Term | Meaning in Arkansas practice |
| Electronic notarization | A notarization done on an electronic document using a digital signature and seal. |
| RON | Remote online notarization done through approved audio-video and identity-proofing technology. |
| Approved solution provider | The vendor platform the state requires for electronic notarial acts. |
| Tamper-evident | A method that shows whether the electronic record has been altered. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can any Arkansas notary become an eNotary?
No. The person must already be an Arkansas notary in good standing before applying for the electronic commission.
Does Arkansas require the signer to appear in person for an electronic notarization?
Yes, for in-person electronic notarization, the signer must appear before the notary. Remote notarization is a separate process with its own approved technology.
What does Arkansas require for remote online notarization?
The notary must be physically located in Arkansas, use approved RON technology, and follow identity-proofing and audio-video requirements. The platform must also retain the recording for five years.
Is Zoom enough for a remote Arkansas notarization?
No. The state says approved RON technology must include secure video plus identity proofing and credential analysis, not general video apps.
How long does the Arkansas eNotary commission last?
It ends on the same date as the notary’s regular paper commission. The state recommends waiting to apply if the paper commission will expire soon.
Is there a test for Arkansas eNotary applicants?
Yes. The Secretary of State says applicants must complete online training and an exam, and current eNotaries must do refresher training every two years.
What happens if an electronic notarization is mishandled?
Arkansas law says liability, sanctions, and remedies are the same as for improper paper notarizations.
Resources
- eNotary – Arkansas Secretary of State
- Electronic Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
- Arkansas Code § 21-14-306 (2024) – Form and manner of performing electronic notarial act – Justia Law
- Notary Public and eNotary – Arkansas Secretary of State
- Notary Public & eNotary Handbook – Arkansas Secretary of State
- eNotary FAQs – Arkansas Secretary of State
- Arkansas Code Title 21, Chapter 14, Subchapter 3 (2024) – The Electronic Notary Public Act
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
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