OH Notary - Ohio Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Ohio online notary public is required to create and maintain a complete audio-video recording of each remote online notarization. According to the Ohio Revised Code, for what minimum period must this recording be retained after the date of the notarization?
- Three years
- Five years
- Seven years
- Ten years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ten years
Ohio Revised Code 147.65 requires that upon the expiration of an online notary's authorization, the electronic journal and all audio-video recordings must be transmitted to the Secretary of State or an approved repository, which will maintain them for a period of ten years.
Question 2: When identifying a signer for a Remote Online Notarization, an Ohio notary does not have personal knowledge of the individual. Which of the following combinations of actions is required?
- Remote presentation of an ID and answering knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions.
- Credential analysis of a government-issued ID and identity proofing (such as KBA). (Correct answer)
- Video confirmation of the signer's identity by a single credible witness.
- The signer verbally stating their driver's license number and date of birth.
Correct answer: Credential analysis of a government-issued ID and identity proofing (such as KBA).
Ohio law requires a multi-factor authentication process for RON when the notary does not personally know the signer. This includes remote presentation of a government-issued ID, which then undergoes credential analysis (software verification of security features), and successful completion of an identity proofing process, such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
Question 3: An Ohio-authorized online notary is preparing to perform a RON for three signers on a single document. Signer A is in Cleveland, OH; Signer B is vacationing in Orlando, FL; and Signer C is on a business trip in London, UK. Which of the following statements is true regarding this scenario?
- The notarization is not possible because all signers must be located within the United States.
- The notarization can be performed, provided the notary is physically located in Ohio and the transaction meets specific requirements for international signers. (Correct answer)
- The notarization can only be performed if the notary travels to the location of one of the signers.
- The notarization is prohibited because more than one signer is located outside of Ohio.
Correct answer: The notarization can be performed, provided the notary is physically located in Ohio and the transaction meets specific requirements for international signers.
An Ohio online notary must be physically located within Ohio when performing the notarial act. However, the signers may be located anywhere in the United States or, under specific conditions outlined in Ohio Revised Code 147.64(C)(2), outside the United States.
Question 4: Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an Ohio online notary's electronic journal that is NOT required for a traditional notary's recommended paper journal?
- The fee charged for the notarial service.
- The signature of each person for whom the act is performed.
- A description of the online notarization system used. (Correct answer)
- The date and time of the notarial act.
Correct answer: A description of the online notarization system used.
While keeping a journal for traditional notarizations is a best practice and not mandatory, Ohio law mandates an electronic journal for all RONs. Ohio Revised Code 147.65 specifically requires the online notary to record a description of the online notarization system used for the act, which would not be applicable to a traditional paper notarization.
Question 5: An Ohio online notary's employment with a law firm ends. The notary performed numerous RONs for the firm's clients, and all electronic journals and recordings were stored on the firm's servers. What is the notary's legal obligation regarding these notarial records?
- The notary must leave the records with the employer, as they are property of the firm.
- The employer is required by law to retain the records for the mandated 10-year period.
- The notary must ensure the records are transmitted to the Secretary of State or an approved repository, as the notary retains control and responsibility. (Correct answer)
- The notary and employer can agree to delete the records after the notary's departure to protect client privacy.
Correct answer: The notary must ensure the records are transmitted to the Secretary of State or an approved repository, as the notary retains control and responsibility.
According to Ohio Revised Code 147.65(E)(1), an employer shall not retain the electronic journal of an employee who is an online notary public when the notary's employment ceases. The responsibility for the journal remains with the notary, who must ensure it is properly maintained or transmitted to the Secretary of State or an approved repository upon commission expiration or resignation.
Question 6: Regarding the technology used for Remote Online Notarization in Ohio, the audio-video communication system must be capable of which of the following?
- Storing the signer's answers to knowledge-based authentication questions for the notary to review.
- Allowing the notary to pause the recording during the identity verification phase.
- Being secure from unauthorized interception and allowing for a complete recording of the session. (Correct answer)
- Functioning with only a one-way video feed if the audio is clear and two-way.
Correct answer: Being secure from unauthorized interception and allowing for a complete recording of the session.
Ohio law mandates that the communication technology for RON must feature a live, two-way audio and video conference. A key requirement is that the signal transmission must be secure from interception and that the system allows the notary to create a complete audio-video recording of the entire notarial act.
OH Notary - Ohio Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) Questions and Answers
An Ohio online notary public is required to create and maintain a complete audio-video recording of each remote online notarization.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, for what minimum period must this recording be retained after the date of the notarization?