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Verifying The Signer’s Identity With Remote Online Notarization

In today's digital era, the way we conduct business is rapidly evolving. Remote online notarization (RON) has emerged as a revolutionary solution, allowing people to sign and notarize important documents from the comfort of their homes. But how do these platforms ensure the process's integrity and verify the signer's identity? In this blog post, we'll explore the world of remote online notarization and the robust methods employed to authenticate the signer's identity.

With the signer's identity being our primary concern, Notarize Genie deploys top-of-the-line technology to ensure the signer is who they say they are. Before having their document notarized online, signers must undergo multi-factor authentication, including knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, and presentation of the identification by the online notary.

Remote Online Notarization Platforms Must Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the key elements of remote online notarization is the utilization of multi-factor authentication (MFA) techniques. MFA combines multiple independent credentials to verify the signer's identity, minimizing the risk of impersonation or fraud. RON platforms typically employ at least two of the following MFA features:

a) Knowledge Factor: This involves verifying something the signer knows, such as a password, a PIN, or answers to security questions. RON platforms add an additional layer of security by ensuring that only the authorized individual possesses this knowledge.

b) Possession Factor: This involves verifying something the signer has, like a registered mobile device or a security token. By requiring possession of a specific item, the platform ensures that the person signing the document is physically present.

c) Inherence Factor: This factor verifies something inherent to the signer's unique characteristics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. RON platforms are increasingly employing biometric data to provide a highly secure and accurate means of identity verification.

While all states require MFA authentication, very few states have incorporated the requirement for a biometric selfie. However, Notarize Genie provides this security feature for all the states that require it.

Steps to Authenticating the Signer's Identity for a Remote Online Notarization

With MFA providing the most secure and reliable identity verification, remote online notarization platforms typically deploy two to three ways of verifying the signer's identity. The most common ones include Knowledge-Based Authentication, credential analysis, and the notary checking the signer's identification.

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
Remote online notarization platforms employ knowledge-based authentication (KBA) to bolster the verification process further. KBA involves posing a series of questions to the signer that only they should be able to answer correctly. These questions are typically generated using data derived from public records or other trusted sources. The answers provided by the signer are then compared against the expected responses to confirm their identity.

It's important to note that KBA is designed to be dynamic, with the questions and answers changing frequently to prevent unauthorized access. RON platforms can effectively thwart fraudulent attempts and ensure the signer's identity by using a wide array of data points and asking personalized questions. Some of the questions signers can expect include:

1. Past addresses
2. Cities or states lived in
3. The name of relatives

To pass the KBA process, signers must score at least 80 percent on the questions. Signers who fail their initial KBA quiz will have a chance to try it again. However, a second failure will cause the signer to wait 24 hours before trying again.

Credential Analysis For Remote Online Notarization
Once the multi-factor and knowledge-based authentication are complete, the signer is almost done verifying their identity. Verifying the authenticity of the signer's identification documents is a critical aspect of the remote online notarization process. RON platforms utilize advanced technology to analyze the credentials presented by the signer and confirm their legitimacy. This involves examining security features, microprinting, holograms, watermarks, and other anti-counterfeiting measures to ensure the document is genuine.

Furthermore, some RON platforms integrate with government databases or trusted third-party services to validate the identification documents. By cross-referencing the information provided by the signer with official records, the platform can verify the document's authenticity and the signer's identity.

The last step in credential analysis comes after the signer connects with the notary. Once connected, the signer must show the notary their identification, and the notary must confirm the signer matches the photograph in the ID.

Video Conferencing and Audio-Visual Recording
A significant advantage of remote online notarization is the use of video conferencing, which allows the notary to interact with the signer in real-time. During the virtual session, the notary can visually and audibly confirm the signer's identity by comparing their appearance with the identification documents presented. The notary can also observe the signing process, ensuring the document's integrity and compliance with legal requirements.

Moreover, RON platforms often record the entire notarization session, including the video and audio feed. These recordings serve as valuable evidence in case of any future disputes or legal inquiries, providing an additional layer of security and accountability.

The frequent concern surrounding remote online notarization platforms allowing signer fraud should be put to rest with the use of stringent security measures. Remote online notarization is becoming recognized as more secure and more efficient at fraud prevention than in-person notarizations.

How Traditional Notaries Verify The Signer's Identity

While remote online notarization (RON) platforms offer a convenient and secure way to verify signer identity, it's important to understand how traditional notaries and mobile notaries authenticate signers. Let's explore the methods used by these two traditional notarization approaches.

Traditional notaries operate from physical locations such as offices or government buildings. When it comes to verifying the identity of signers, they typically employ the following methods:

a) Personal Appearance: A fundamental requirement of traditional notarization is the personal appearance of the signer before the notary. Using video technology, the notary can visually compare the signer's physical features with the identification documents presented. This step ensures that the person signing the document is the same person identified in the provided identification.

b) Government-Issued Identification: Signers must present a valid government-issued identification document to the notary. Common forms of identification include driver's licenses, passports, or state-issued identification cards. The notary examines these documents for authenticity, checking security features, holograms, and other relevant details to confirm their legitimacy.

c) Signature Comparison: The traditional notary often compares the signature on the document with the signer's signature on file or the identification document. This visual comparison helps detect any obvious discrepancies or signs of forgery.

While notaries do their best, we all know humans make mistakes. The requirements for in-person notaries verifying identity are nowhere near as strict as those for RON. As such, the use of technology and multi-factor authentication makes online notarization platforms more secure and effective at preventing fraud.

Notarize Genie Provides A Secure Remote Online Notarization Platform

Remote online notarization platforms have revolutionized the way we authenticate signers, ensuring the utmost security and integrity in the digital document signing process. By employing multi-factor authentication, knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, and video conferencing, these platforms provide robust technology to verify the identity of the signer remotely.

Notarize Genie utilizes top-of-the-line technology to ensure the signer's identity is properly verified and provides a secure signing session. If you have questions regarding the verification process or are looking for an online notary, come check us out at www.notarizegenie.com or call (800) 381-8240.