ANSWERS (Updated 2-15-22):
1. During a remote online notarization, the signer:
A. Physically meets face-to-face with a Notary
B. Communicates by phone with the Notary
C. Uses real-time online audiovisual technology to meet with the Notary
D. Messages the Notary privately using an approved social media platform
ANSWER: C. During a RON, the signer and Notary communicate using audio-visual technology over the Internet instead of being physically present in the same room. Generally, state RON laws determine the requirements for any communication technology used for a RON. The Notary and signer must be able to communicate real-time during the notarization.
2. True or False? A Notary can perform a RON while the Notary is located anywhere in the United States.
ANSWER: False. Notaries may only perform a RON while the Notary is physically located within the borders of their commissioning state. However, the signer does not have to be in the same physical location as the Notary. The signer may be located in another part of the state where the Notary is commissioned, outside the state, or even outside of the United States.
3. Which of the following are requirements for identifying a signer during a RON?
A. The signer emails a photocopy of an ID to the Notary
B. The signer shows an ID to the Notary on camera so the Notary can compare the signer to the ID
C. The signer answers questions based on the signer’s personal and financial history
D. None of the above
E. Both B and C
Answer: E. Identification requirements for RON vary between states, but two that are commonly used are the signer presenting an identification document to the Notary on camera (referred to in the law as “remote presentation”) so the Notary ensure the person on screen matches the information on the ID and answering a series of computer-generated questions based on the signer’s personal, credit and financial history (also known as “Knowledge-Based Authentication” or “KBA”). In many states, Notaries are required to use both of these identification processes to verify the identity of remote signers.
4. True or False: As of 2021, every U.S. state has permanent laws authorizing Notaries to perform RONs.
Answer: False. To date 40 U.S. states have permanent RON laws. However, some states, such as California, do not authorize Notaries to perform remote notarizations.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.
Related Articles:
Remote Notarization: What you need to know
Additional Resources:
NNA Knowledge Center RON Resources