Key Takeaways
- Remote online notarization (RON) requires at least two types of identity proofing
- Identity proofing uses third-party services to verify identity through data sources
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) asks questions only the signer should know
- Credential analysis verifies the authenticity of ID documents
- RON notaries must use attorney general-approved technologies
Remote Online Notarization Identification
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows notaries to perform notarial acts for signers who are not physically present. Because the signer is remote, enhanced identification procedures are required.
RON Identification Requirements
For remotely located individuals, the notary must use at least two different types of identity proofing:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Identity Proofing | Third-party service verifies identity through public/private data |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) | Questions only the signer should know |
| Credential Analysis | Technology verifies ID document authenticity |
| Personal Knowledge | Still valid if notary knows signer |
| Credible Witness | Witness can appear remotely with signer |
Identity Proofing
Identity proofing is a process where a third-party service verifies the identity of the remotely located individual by reviewing personal information from public or private data sources.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Third-party verification service |
| Data sources | Public records, credit bureaus, government databases |
| Purpose | Confirm signer is who they claim to be |
| Required | Part of multi-factor verification |
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
KBA presents the signer with questions that only they should be able to answer based on their personal history.
KBA Question Examples
| Category | Sample Question |
|---|---|
| Address history | "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" |
| Vehicle history | "What type of vehicle was registered to you in 2018?" |
| Credit history | "Which bank holds your mortgage?" |
| Personal history | "In which county were you married?" |
KBA Requirements
- Questions generated dynamically
- Multiple choice format
- Minimum number of questions required
- Time limit for answering
- Limited attempts allowed
Credential Analysis
Credential analysis uses technology to verify that an identification document is genuine and has not been altered.
| Verification | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Document authenticity | Is the ID genuine? |
| Security features | Does ID have proper watermarks, holograms? |
| Tampering | Has the ID been altered? |
| Expiration | Is the ID current or within acceptable range? |
| Photo matching | Does photo match person on video? |
Acceptable ID for RON
For remote notarization, acceptable identification includes:
- Passport (valid or expired within 3 years)
- Driver's license (valid or expired within 3 years)
- Government-issued non-driver ID (valid or expired within 3 years)
Note: The same 3-year rule for expired IDs applies to RON as for in-person notarization.
RON Technology Requirements
Hawaii requires RON notaries to use technologies that:
- Are approved by the Attorney General
- Record the entire notarial session
- Provide secure video and audio connection
- Allow real-time interaction
- Verify signer identity through multiple methods
Comparison: In-Person vs. RON Identification
| Aspect | In-Person | Remote (RON) |
|---|---|---|
| Methods | Personal knowledge, ID, credible witness | Multi-factor: KBA + credential analysis + identity proofing |
| Number required | One method | At least two methods |
| Technology | Physical ID inspection | Electronic verification |
| Recording | Not required | Audio-visual recording required |
On the Exam
Remember:
- RON requires at least TWO types of identity proofing
- KBA uses questions from personal history
- Credential analysis verifies ID authenticity
- Same ID expiration rules apply (3 years)
How many types of identity proofing are required for remote online notarization in Hawaii?
What is "knowledge-based authentication" (KBA) in remote online notarization?