PA Notary e-Notarization & RON 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between an electronic notarization (e-notarization) and a remote online notarization (RON)?
- E-notarization is for paper documents, while RON is for electronic documents.
- E-notarization requires the signer's physical presence, while RON does not. (Correct answer)
- RON is only permitted for real estate transactions.
- Only RON requires the use of an electronic seal.
Correct answer: E-notarization requires the signer's physical presence, while RON does not.
The defining difference is the location of the signer. For an e-notarization, the signer must be in the physical presence of the notary, and they use electronic tools to sign and seal. For a RON, the signer is in a different physical location and appears before the notary using audio-visual technology.
Question 2: Before a Pennsylvania notary can perform electronic or remote notarizations, they must:
- Obtain a separate commission for electronic notarization.
- Pass a special technology proficiency exam.
- Select an approved vendor and notify the Department of State. (Correct answer)
- Purchase a special insurance policy for remote acts.
Correct answer: Select an approved vendor and notify the Department of State.
A notary who wishes to perform electronic or remote notarizations must first select a technology solution from the Department of State's list of approved vendors. After selecting a vendor, the notary must file a form with the Department to notify them of their choice.
Question 3: Which of the following is a required component of identity verification for a remote online notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania?
- The signer emailing a scanned copy of their ID to the notary beforehand.
- The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA). (Correct answer)
- A verbal confirmation of the signer's date of birth and address.
- Having a credible witness present with the signer at their remote location.
Correct answer: The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
RON requires a robust, multi-factor identity verification process. This includes remote presentation of an ID, analysis of the ID's security features by the technology platform (credential analysis), and having the signer answer questions based on their personal and credit history (knowledge-based authentication, or KBA).
Question 4: What is a mandatory requirement for the records kept for every remote online notarization?
- A complete audio-visual recording of the notarial act. (Correct answer)
- A written transcript of the entire session.
- A digital photo of the signer taken during the session.
- The IP address and geographic location of the signer.
Correct answer: A complete audio-visual recording of the notarial act.
Pennsylvania law requires that a secure audio-visual recording of the entire remote online notarization session be created and retained by the notary or their technology vendor for a period of ten years. This recording serves as the primary evidence of the notarial act.
Question 5: An electronic seal used for an e-notarization or RON must contain:
- The notary's digital signature.
- The name of the approved RON technology vendor.
- The notary's name, title, county, and commission number. (Correct answer)
- A link to the notary's public listing on the Department of State website.
Correct answer: The notary's name, title, county, and commission number.
The information requirements for an electronic seal are the same as for a physical rubber stamp. It must include the notary's name as it appears on the commission, their title ('Notary Public'), the county of commission, their commission ID number, and the commission expiration date.
Question 6: At the time of performing a remote online notarization (RON), the notary public must be physically located:
- Anywhere in the United States.
- In the county where their commission is registered.
- At the business address listed on their commission.
- Within the physical boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Within the physical boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A Pennsylvania notary's authority is granted by the Commonwealth and is only valid within its borders. Therefore, even though the signer can be anywhere in the world, the notary must be physically located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when performing the remote notarial act.
Question 7: When completing a notarial certificate for a remote online notarization, what additional information must be included?
- The name of the RON technology provider.
- The total fee charged for the notarization.
- A statement that the act was performed using communication technology. (Correct answer)
- The state where the signer was physically located.
Correct answer: A statement that the act was performed using communication technology.
To ensure transparency and create an accurate record, the notarial certificate must clearly indicate that the act was performed remotely. This is typically done by adding a phrase such as 'This notarial act was a remote online notarization' or 'performed by means of communication technology.'
PA Notary e-Notarization & RON 1
What is the key difference between an electronic notarization (e-notarization) and a remote online notarization (RON)?