Electronic notarization (e-notarization) in its most basic and common form is the process of a commissioned notary affixing a digital signature or certificate to an electronic document, where the digital signature or certificate is generated by a complex mathematical formula (algorithms) involving coding and decoding (encryption) technology. The fundamental components of notarization, including personal appearance of the record signers before the notary, still apply. But rather than a paper document and a rubber stamp notary seal, the notary digitally places their identifying information to a document which exists as electronic data in a computer readable form. 

Remote online notarization (RON) occurs when a notary public commissioned in and located in this Commonwealth performs a notarial act facilitated by communication technology for a remotely located customer. The legal requirement that the signer personally and physically appear before the notary is met by the use of audio-visual electronic communication technology. The important role that the notary plays when a statement is made in or a signature executed on a record now occurs remotely over the internet, with a document that is in electronic form. Remote online notarization is also called remote notarization, webcam notarization, online notarization or virtual notarization.