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Is Remote Online Notarization Safe? A Look Inside The Most Secure Method Of Notarizing A Document
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Most signers are concerned that Remote Online Notarizations, RONs, are unsafe. With the ease with which our private information can be obtained these days, it is fair to wonder about the security of notarizing documents online. To the surprise of many, online notarizations are the most secure method of notarizing a document.
Utilizing top-of-the-line technology, remote online notarization platforms verify the signer's identity, connect the notary and signer and store the signer's information. From verifying your identity to storing your information, using a trusted platform provider like Notarize Genie provides a secure notarization experience.
The Steps of a Secure Remote Online Notarization
Whether the signer uses their own online notary or the platform matches them with one, they must upload their document in PDF form to the platform. Once the signer uploads their document, they will enter their personal information, including the last four digits of their social and address.
Before connecting with the notary, the signer must undergo identity verification using third-party technology. Only after verifying the signer's identity will the notarization session begin. Once in the session, the notary and signer will review the document together and apply the necessary electronic signatures.
The notary will apply their certification in the form of an acknowledgment or a jurat, and the document is notarized! Following the session, the signer receives an acceptable, legally notarized document.
How Remote Online Notarizations Verify the Signer's Identification
One of the worries surrounding Remote Online Notarization is ensuring the signer is who they say they are. The first step of identity authentication requires the signer to enter their address and the last four of their social security number so a third party can pull their background information. These third parties use a technology known as knowledge-based-authentication, or KBA, to verify the signer's identity through a multiple-step process.
KBA AnalysisDuring the KBA process, the signer must take a five-question quiz to which only they will know the answers. These questions are based on the signer's personal past and can include questions regarding former addresses and relatives. The signer must score 80 percent or higher to pass this step and proceed to the second step of identity authentication.
The system provides a second set of questions if the signer fails their first attempt. If the signer cannot achieve 80 percent success on the second set of questions, they must wait 24 hours before attempting again.
Notarize Genie partners with IDology for their KBA analysis. IDology provides ExpectID IQ, the most flexible and robust knowledge-based authentication solution on the market. IDology allows us to provide a safe and trustworthy identity verification process.
Credential Analysis and VerificationThe second step of verifying the signer's identity involved a credential analysis. The signer must upload a picture of an approved identification, which is analyzed to ensure it belongs to the signer and is not a fraudulent document. Accepted identification documents include a driver's license, passports, and government-issued ID cards.
Should the signer verify their identity, they connect with a notary through audio-video technology. Once face-to-face with the notary, the signer must present their identification to the notary for final verification of the signer's identity. Only then can the signer and notary proceed with the online notarization.
Remote Online Notarization Safer than In-Person?A three-step identity verification process makes remote online notarization safer than an in-person notary. When using a traditional notary, the notary simply checks the signer's ID and moves on. In-person notaries involve no knowledge-based quiz or credential analysis software ensuring the signer's identity.
Audio-Video Technology for Remote Online Notarizations
All states require the notary and signer to meet face-to-face using audio-video technology, ensuring the notary can watch for fraudulent activity on the signer's part. Additionally, the law in all states requires online notary platforms to record the notary sessions. Once completed, the platform must store the video recording for up to ten years.
The video recording is great for two reasons. First, if there is any suspicion of misconduct by the signer or notary, the parties can watch the recording. Second, should the document's authority come under question, the recording can establish it is a legally notarized document.
Are Online Notaries Licensed?
To be an online notary, the notary must have their license. Similar to verifying a signer's identity, there are procedures to provide signers with a legitimate notary. To perform an online notarization, a notary must use a credential, like a digital certificate, that is bound to their identity. Binding the identity of a notary to the credential used for signing creates assurances the notary is who they claim to be.
The notary must provide their ID and notary license number to obtain a digital certificate. As such, without being a licensed notary, they may not receive a digital certificate or perform online notarizations.
Notarize Genie partners with IdenTrust to issue its notaries the IdenTrust Global Common certificates, certified under the Federal Bridge policy. The Federal Bridge certification authorizes these certificates for government agency applications, such as digitally signing and sealing documents.
For notaries coming to our platform with their certificates, Notarize Genie checks their credentials with the state they claim to have a license from. Signers can know they are dealing with a real, licensed notary when using Notarize Genie's remote online notarization platform.
Storage of Personal Information and Session Recordings
When storing personal information, there is always concern over the security of keeping it online. Notarize Genie takes this seriously and keeps the signer's information and video recordings stored safely in a permanent tamper-evident format. The platform uses passwords and encryption to keep the information safe and does not allow public access. Only the notary and the signer may access the user's information and video recording.
Should a third-party wish to access the information, they must speak directly to the notary public who performed the notarial act or to the signer. There may be situations when the law requires the disclosure of the recording of the signer's information. In these instances, Notarize Genie will notify the signer before releasing their information.
Use Notarize Genie For Your Secure Remote Online Notarization
Do you have documents needing notarization? Save time by using Notarize Genie's safe and convenient Remote Notarization Platform. Not only is remote online notarization easy, but it is also the safest method of notarizing documents! Check out our website at www.notarizegenie.com or give us a call at (800) 381-8240.
