--- title: "Online Notarization Recordings: How Long Are They Kept?" description: "A remote notarization is recorded start to finish. State law sets how long; New Jersey notaries are expected to keep records ten years. Who can see it." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/remote-notarization-recordings-and-record-retention" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Remote Notarization Recordings and Record Retention Unlike a traditional notarization, a remote session usually leaves behind a video recording. Signers often wonder who holds it, how long, and who can see it. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** In most places that allow it, a remote notarization is recorded in audio and video from start to finish, including the identity checks and the signing, and the notary's journal entry is kept alongside it. How long it is kept is set by state law: New Jersey notaries are expected to keep records for ten years. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) · [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## What gets recorded In most places that allow remote notarization, the session's audio and video are recorded from start to finish. The record typically includes the identity checks, the signer's statements and the signing itself. The notary's journal entry is also kept. The recording shows the process, not the contents of the signer's private screens beyond the document being signed. Pay attention to what you say aloud. Do not read out account numbers or passwords during the session. The recording could be reviewed years later. ## Who keeps it Responsibility falls on the notary, who often uses the platform's secure storage. The notary stays accountable for the record even if the platform stores it. Some states set rules on how the notary must store the file, including encryption and access control. If a notary changes platforms, they must make sure the old records remain available. ## How long records last Retention periods are set by state law. Some states match the journal retention rule, while others set a separate rule for recordings. New Jersey notaries are expected to keep records for ten years. A different state may differ, so ask the notary what applies. The notary cannot simply delete a recording after the transaction closes. Some platforms keep recordings for the notary's required period and then delete them automatically. Others leave deletion to the notary. Ask which method applies. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Who can see them The recording is confidential. Access is usually limited to the notary, the signer, a court, or a regulatory office with proper authority. A third party such as a lender may ask for a copy, and the notary should follow state rules and the signer's consent. If you need a copy, ask the notary or platform in writing, with the date and document. Court orders can compel disclosure in some cases. In ordinary circumstances, access without consent is restricted. ## What signers can do At the start of the session, note that you are being recorded and consent if asked. Do not show private information on screen beyond what is needed. Avoid doing the session on a public network. Afterwards, save your signed documents and the notarial certificate in a safe place. If privacy matters, ask the platform where data is stored. Keep your own note of the session date, the notary's name and the platform used. If you ever need a copy years later, those details speed up the request. ## Questions worth asking the notary Ask which platform will hold the recording, how long it will be kept, how you can request a copy, and what happens if the notary leaves the business. Ask whether the platform is based in the United States and who has access. A notary who answers clearly and quickly is likely to handle your records carefully too. ## Common questions **Can I refuse to be recorded?** In places that require a recording, refusing means the remote session cannot proceed. You could choose an in-person notarization instead. **Does the recording go to the lender or title company?** Not automatically. Sharing is governed by state rules, the notary's duties and your consent. ## More notary guides - [Marriage Certificate Apostille in NJ: What to Order](/notary/guides/marriage-certificate-apostille-nj-what-to-order) - [RON Identity Verification: KBA and Credential Analysis](/notary/guides/ron-identity-verification-kba-and-credential-analysis) - [How Long to Keep a Notary Journal and Where to Store It](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notarize documents online over secure video with a New Jersey notary. ID verification, electronic seal and a recorded session. Book a RON session. Remote online notary →](/notary/remote-online-notarization)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Remote Notary Setup Kit You've read the rules. This is the part where you file, choose a platform, set up records and run your first month, with every date and score tracked. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)