Have you ever wondered how a notary can verify your identity when you are not meeting in person? With remote online notarization, you can have documents notarized through a secure video session without leaving your home or office. But before the online notary can complete the notarization, you must prove that you are who you say you are.
Identity verification is one of the most important steps in remote online notarization. It helps protect your identity, reduce fraud, and ensure that the notarization follows applicable legal requirements.
Whether you need an affidavit, power of attorney, business document, or another eligible document notarized online, understanding the identity verification process can help you prepare for your appointment and avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is Identity Verification in Remote Online Notarization?
Remote online notarization, commonly called RON, allows a commissioned notary public to perform certain notarial acts using approved audio-video technology. Instead of meeting face-to-face, you connect with the notary through an online notarization platform.
Because the notary cannot physically inspect your identification in the usual way, the process may involve several electronic identity verification methods. Depending on the state’s laws and the platform’s procedures, these may include:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Credential analysis
- Identity verification questions
- Live video communication with the notary
- Additional identity checks when required
These steps help establish that the person requesting the notarization is the person identified in the document.
The exact requirements vary by state, document type, and online notarization provider.
1. Present a Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
One of the first steps in verifying your identity for an online notary appointment is providing an acceptable form of identification.
Depending on the applicable rules and platform, accepted identification may include:
- A driver’s license
- A state-issued identification card
- A U.S. passport
- Another permitted government-issued identification credential
Your identification generally needs to be valid and sufficiently clear for the platform’s verification process. Some platforms may accept certain foreign passports or other credentials, depending on applicable law and their procedures.
You may be asked to photograph or scan your identification using your phone or computer. The system may check details such as your name, photograph, expiration date, and security features.
Tip: Make sure your ID is not expired, damaged, blurry, or difficult to read. Good lighting can help you capture a clear image and reduce the chance of having to repeat the verification process.
If you are unsure whether your identification will be accepted, check with the remote online notary service before scheduling your appointment.
2. Complete Credential Analysis
You may also need to complete a process called credential analysis. This is an electronic review of your identification credential to help determine whether it appears genuine and valid.
Depending on the platform, credential analysis technology may examine the information and security features on your ID and compare them against expected characteristics.
This process can help identify potential problems, such as altered identification documents or information that does not match the credential.
Credential analysis is an important part of many remote online notarization procedures because the notary is not physically holding your ID. However, the specific technology and checks used vary by provider and state requirements.
If the platform cannot verify your identification, you may need to retake the image, submit another accepted credential, or contact customer support for assistance.
3. Answer Identity Verification Questions
Some online notarization platforms use knowledge-based authentication, often called KBA, to help verify a signer’s identity.
With this method, you may be asked a series of questions generated from information associated with your identity. The questions might relate to your previous addresses, public records, or other personal history.
The purpose is to determine whether you can correctly answer questions that would generally be difficult for someone else to answer using only basic personal information.
For example, you might be asked to identify a street where you previously lived or select information associated with a past record.
Knowledge-based authentication is not required in every situation. Applicable laws and platform procedures determine which identity verification methods are acceptable. Some signers may qualify for alternative verification methods under the relevant rules.
How can you prepare?
- Enter your legal name and personal information accurately.
- Take your time reading each question.
- Avoid guessing if you are unsure of an answer.
- Follow the platform’s instructions if you cannot complete the verification.
Depending on the platform and applicable rules, you may have limited attempts to answer the questions correctly. If verification fails, contact the provider to find out whether another permitted method is available.
4. Meet With the Notary Through Live Video
After completing the required electronic identity checks, you will generally connect with the notary through a live audio-video session.
During this meeting, the notary can communicate with you directly, review the circumstances of the notarization, and complete the required notarial procedures.
The notary may ask you to display your identification on camera or confirm information about the document. You may also be asked questions to help establish that you understand the signing process and are participating willingly.
The notary must follow the applicable legal requirements for the specific notarial act. If something raises a concern about your identity, willingness, or ability to participate appropriately, the notary may need to pause or decline the notarization.
A live video session is more than a convenience. It allows the notary to interact with the signer in real time while completing the remote notarization process.
5. What Happens if Your Identity Verification Fails?
Sometimes, an identity verification attempt does not go through successfully. This does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong.
A failed verification could result from a blurry ID image, incorrect personal information, technical problems, or difficulty answering authentication questions.
If this happens, try these steps:
- Check your information. Make sure your name and other requested details match your identification.
- Retake your ID photo. Use good lighting and make sure all corners and details are visible.
- Check your technology. Confirm that your device, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working.
- Contact the provider. Ask whether you can retry or use another legally permitted identity verification method.
Do not assume that every provider can override a failed identity check. The notary and platform must follow the applicable rules, and some verification requirements cannot simply be bypassed.
Preparing ahead of time can help make your online notarization appointment smoother.
Is Identity Verification for Online Notarization Safe?
Security is a common concern for people who are new to remote online notarization. Reputable platforms use security measures designed to protect the notarization process, which may include encrypted connections, identity verification technology, access controls, and secure recordkeeping.
However, no online system is completely free from risk. It is important to choose a reputable online notary service and understand how it handles your personal information.
Before uploading your ID or other sensitive information, check that you are using the provider’s legitimate website or platform. Avoid sending identification documents through unfamiliar links or unsecured channels.
You can also review the provider’s privacy policy to understand how your information is collected, used, and protected.
How Long Does Identity Verification Take?
Identity verification is often completed before or during the online notary appointment. In many cases, the process takes only a few minutes, but the timing depends on the platform, the identity checks required, and whether any problems arise.
You can help avoid delays by preparing your accepted identification, checking your internet connection, and making sure your personal information is accurate.
If you have a time-sensitive document, allow extra time for verification and confirm the appointment requirements in advance.
Get Ready for Your Remote Online Notarization Appointment
Verifying your identity for remote online notarization is designed to help protect you, the notary, and everyone who relies on the notarized document.
The process may involve presenting a government-issued ID, completing credential analysis, answering identity verification questions, and participating in a live video session. The exact steps depend on the applicable law and the provider you use.
Before your appointment, make sure you have an accepted ID, a reliable internet connection, and access to the device you plan to use. If you have questions about the verification process, contact your online notary service before your scheduled session.
Ready to get your documents notarized online? Understanding the identity verification process can help you feel more confident, prepare properly, and complete your remote online notarization with fewer surprises.