DC Notary Remote Notarization Standards — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technology requirement must be met for a DC remote notarization session?
- Audio-only phone call
- Real-time audio-video communication (Correct answer)
- Email exchange of documents
- Text message verification
Correct answer: Real-time audio-video communication
DC law requires real-time audio-video communication technology for remote notarizations to ensure proper identity verification.
Question 2: How must a remotely notarized document be stored by the DC notary?
- Paper copy only
- Audio-video recording for at least 10 years (Correct answer)
- No storage requirement exists
- Backup on personal USB drive
Correct answer: Audio-video recording for at least 10 years
DC requires notaries to retain an audio-video recording of each remote notarization session for at least 10 years.
Question 3: Which credential analysis method is acceptable for remote notarization identity proofing in DC?
- Social media profile review
- Knowledge-based authentication questions (Correct answer)
- Verbal confirmation of name only
- Physical inspection of ID card
Correct answer: Knowledge-based authentication questions
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) is an approved method for identity proofing during remote notarization in DC.
Question 4: What type of seal must a DC notary use on remotely notarized documents?
- Physical embosser only
- Electronic seal (Correct answer)
- Wax seal
- No seal is required remotely
Correct answer: Electronic seal
For remote notarizations, DC notaries must use an electronic seal that is securely attached to the electronic document.
Question 5: Can a DC notary perform a remote notarization for a signer located in another state?
- Never under any circumstances
- Yes, if the signer is a DC resident
- Yes, if the notary complies with DC requirements (Correct answer)
- Only for federal documents
Correct answer: Yes, if the notary complies with DC requirements
A DC notary may perform remote notarization for signers in other locations as long as the notary complies with all DC remote notarization requirements.
Question 6: What must a DC notary do if the audio-video connection fails during a remote notarization?
- Complete the notarization using email
- Stop the session and reschedule (Correct answer)
- Continue with audio only
- Have a witness verify by phone
Correct answer: Stop the session and reschedule
If the audio-video connection is lost, the notary must stop the session because continuous real-time communication is required throughout the entire notarization.
DC Notary Remote Notarization Standards
What technology requirement must be met for a DC remote notarization session?