Key Takeaways
- RON uses multi-factor identity verification including credential analysis and KBA
- Credential analysis examines the ID document for authenticity
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) asks questions only the signer should know
- The signer must appear on clear live audio-video during the session
- The notary must confirm the signer's willingness and understanding
Last updated: January 2026
RON Identity Verification
Because the signer is not physically present, Remote Online Notarization requires enhanced identity verification beyond traditional methods.
Multi-Factor Identity Verification
RON platforms use multiple methods to verify identity:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Credential Analysis | Technology examines the ID document |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) | Questions from personal history |
| Live Audio-Video | Notary interacts with signer in real-time |
| ID Comparison | Notary compares signer to ID photo |
Credential Analysis
The RON platform analyzes the signer's identification document:
| Analysis Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Document authenticity | Detect fake or altered IDs |
| Security features | Verify holograms, watermarks, etc. |
| Data extraction | Read name, photo, expiration |
| Facial recognition | Compare ID photo to live video |
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
KBA asks questions that only the true person should be able to answer:
| KBA Characteristics | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Third-party databases (credit, public records) |
| Question types | Personal history questions |
| Number of questions | Typically 5 questions |
| Passing score | Usually 4 of 5 correct |
| Time limit | Limited time to answer |
Example KBA Questions
- "Which of the following streets have you lived on?"
- "Which company provided your auto loan in 2019?"
- "What county was your previous address in?"
Important: These are not questions the signer creates - they come from third-party data.
Live Audio-Video Session
The notary must:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clear view | See signer's face clearly |
| Audio communication | Hear and speak with signer |
| Real-time interaction | No pre-recorded video |
| Continuous session | Maintain connection throughout |
Verification by Notary
Even with technology verification, the notary must:
- Confirm identity - Review credential analysis results
- Visual comparison - Compare signer to ID photo on video
- Confirm willingness - Ask if signing voluntarily
- Confirm understanding - Verify awareness of document
- Observe signing - Watch electronic signature applied
When Identity Cannot Be Verified
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| KBA fails | Cannot proceed with RON |
| Credential analysis fails | Cannot proceed with RON |
| Video quality poor | Cannot proceed with RON |
| Suspicion of fraud | Terminate session |
Acceptable IDs for RON
The same types of IDs acceptable for traditional notarization work for RON:
- Driver's licenses
- State ID cards
- U.S. passports
- Foreign passports (recognized countries)
- Military ID
- Tribal ID
On the Exam
- Multi-factor: Credential analysis + KBA + live video
- KBA: Third-party questions, not signer-created
- Notary role: Still must verify and confirm
- Failure: Cannot proceed if verification fails
Test Your Knowledge
What is knowledge-based authentication (KBA) in Remote Online Notarization?
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Test Your Knowledge
If a signer fails the knowledge-based authentication during a RON session, what should the notary do?
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