Key Takeaways
- RON uses technology-based identity verification methods
- Credential analysis reviews ID documents for authenticity
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) asks personal questions
- Multi-factor authentication may combine multiple methods
- Notary retains final authority to accept or deny identification
Last updated: January 2026
Identity Verification for Remote Online Notarization
For Remote Online Notarization (RON), identity verification uses technology-based methods in addition to visual ID inspection.
RON Identity Verification Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Credential Analysis | Technology scans and analyzes ID document for authenticity |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) | Signer answers personal questions from databases |
| Multi-Factor Authentication | Combines multiple verification methods |
| Biometric Verification | Facial recognition comparing ID photo to live image |
Credential Analysis
The RON platform's technology:
- Scans the ID document
- Checks security features
- Verifies authenticity markers
- Compares to known document templates
- Reports findings to notary
What Credential Analysis Checks
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Document format | Matches official template |
| Security features | Holograms, watermarks, microprinting |
| Photo quality | Not tampered or replaced |
| Data consistency | Information matches document type |
| Expiration | Within acceptable timeframe |
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
KBA asks the signer questions that only they should know, pulled from:
- Credit bureau records
- Public records
- Other proprietary databases
KBA Question Examples
- "Which of these addresses have you lived at?"
- "What color was your 2018 vehicle?"
- "Which bank holds your mortgage?"
KBA Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Questions | Multiple choice (typically 4-5 options) |
| Number of questions | Usually 3-5 questions |
| Time limit | Limited time to answer |
| Passing score | Must answer correctly (varies by platform) |
| Attempt limits | Limited number of attempts |
Platform Responsibilities
The communications technology provider typically:
- Performs initial credential analysis
- Administers KBA questions
- Completes verification before notary joins session
- Provides verification results to notary
Notary's Authority
Despite technology verification, the notary:
- Has final authority to accept or deny identification
- May ask additional questions
- May refuse if unsatisfied with verification
- Must still visually inspect ID during video session
Journal Requirements for RON Identification
| Entry | Details |
|---|---|
| Method used | Note that RON verification was used |
| Platform | Name of technology platform |
| ID document | Type and details of ID presented |
| KBA result | Pass or fail (if applicable) |
Comparison: In-Person vs. RON Verification
| Feature | In-Person | RON |
|---|---|---|
| Visual ID inspection | Yes | Yes (via video) |
| Physical document handling | Yes | No |
| Credential analysis | Optional | Typically required |
| KBA | Not used | Typically required |
| Credible witness | Available | May not be available |
On the Exam
- Technology-based: RON uses credential analysis and KBA
- Multiple methods: Often combines several verification types
- Notary authority: Final decision still rests with notary
- Before session: Verification often completed before notary joins
Test Your Knowledge
In Remote Online Notarization, what is "credential analysis"?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for RON involves:
A
B
C
D