IDENTITY VERIFICATION: WHAT TO EXPECT

Before your online notarization can take place, New York law requires your identity to be verified using approved and secure methods. I perform all RONs through a trusted web platform that handles this entire process smoothly and securely, ensuring your session is safe, legal, and efficient. Below is a breakdown of how each method works and what to expect.

In some cases, formal identity verification may not be necessary. An exception may be made if the notary personally knows the signer and can confirm their identity based on a prior relationship.

Credential Analysis (ID Scan)

Upload or capture an image your acceptable form of ID at the beginning of the notarization session
Your ID must include a photo and signature and be clearly visible on camera or through upload
Advanced technology checks for expiration, tampering, and validity
This step is paired with either KBA or biometric verification described in the next sections below

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)

For added identity protection, you may be required to complete a 5-question multiple-choice quiz about your personal history
These questions are generated in real time using information from public records or credit files
You must answer at least 4 out of 5 questions correctly within 2 minutes to pass
If you don’t pass on the first try, you’re allowed one additional attempt
Once you pass, we can proceed with the online notarization session.

Biometrics (Facial Scan)

As an alternative to KBA, biometric technology uses facial recognition to match your ID photo and webcam video, and liveness detection to confirm you are a real, live person
This method is approved by New York State and is typically faster than KBA, which makes it the preferred choice for the RONS that I perform

Credible Witnesses

When a signer cannot present a valid, government-issued photo ID, their identity can sometimes be verified using a credible witness — a person who swears under oath that they know the signer personally. The number of witnesses needed depends on whether the notary knows the witness.

Option 1: One Credible Witness (Known to the Notary)

You may use one credible witness if all of the following apply:

The notary personally knows the witness
The witness personally knows the signer
The witness provides valid, government-issued ID
The witness is not a party to the document and has no beneficial interest
The witness is present during the notarization and takes an oath/affirmation
The notary is confident the witness is reliable and trustworthy

Option 2: Two Credible Witnesses (Not Known to the Notary)

If the notary does not personally know either the signer or the witnesses, then the law requires two credible witnesses, and each must:

Personally know the signer
Provide valid, government-issued ID
Be uninterested parties (not named in or benefiting from the document)
Appear together during the notarization session
Swear under oath that they know the signer and believe them to be who they claim to be
The notary is confident the witnesses are reliable and trustworthy