OH Notary - Ohio Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technology is required for Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Ohio?
- Telephone conference with recording
- Audio-video communication technology allowing real-time interaction (Correct answer)
- Text-based chat with identity verification
- Email exchange with digital signatures
Correct answer: Audio-video communication technology allowing real-time interaction
Ohio RON requires audio-video communication enabling real-time interaction.
Ohio RON law requires audio-video technology allowing the notary and signer to see and hear each other in real time. The session must be recorded and retained. Telephone, text, or email do not satisfy the requirements.
Question 2: An Ohio notary performing RON must verify identity through:
- Only the video feed
- Identity proofing through knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis, plus the audio-video feed (Correct answer)
- A sworn statement from the signer only
- Only a government-issued ID shown on camera
Correct answer: Identity proofing through knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis, plus the audio-video feed
Ohio RON requires multi-factor identity verification including KBA or credential analysis.
Ohio RON requires multi-layered verification: knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and/or credential analysis of government-issued ID, supplementing visual confirmation through the video feed.
Question 3: Must an Ohio RON session be recorded?
- No, recording is optional
- Yes, the entire audio-video session must be recorded and retained (Correct answer)
- Only if the signer consents
- Only the identity verification portion
Correct answer: Yes, the entire audio-video session must be recorded and retained
The entire RON session must be recorded and retained.
Ohio mandates recording the entire audio-video RON session. This documents the identity verification, signer's demeanor and willingness, and all interactions. It must be retained for the prescribed period.
Question 4: Can an Ohio RON notary perform a notarization for a signer in another state?
- No, both must be in Ohio
- Yes, the signer may be located anywhere as long as Ohio law is followed (Correct answer)
- Only if in a neighboring state
- Only with the other state's permission
Correct answer: Yes, the signer may be located anywhere as long as Ohio law is followed
Ohio RON allows the signer to be anywhere, provided Ohio's procedures are followed.
The signer may be anywhere in the world. The Ohio notary performing the RON must be physically located in Ohio. All Ohio RON requirements must still be followed.
Question 5: What must an Ohio RON notary do if the audio-video connection is lost during notarization?
- Complete the notarization based on what was verified
- Stop the process and restart when connection is restored (Correct answer)
- Switch to telephone to complete the act
- Have the signer email their signature
Correct answer: Stop the process and restart when connection is restored
If the connection is lost, the notary must stop and restart when connection is restored.
Continuous audio-video connection is mandatory throughout the entire RON process. If lost, the notary must stop immediately and restart when connection is restored, re-verifying identity if necessary.
Question 6: Which entity must approve the technology platform for Ohio RON?
- The federal government
- The platform must meet Secretary of State standards (Correct answer)
- Any platform chosen by the notary
- The county recorder's office
Correct answer: The platform must meet Secretary of State standards
RON platforms must meet standards set by the Ohio Secretary of State.
Ohio RON regulations require platforms to meet Secretary of State standards for audio-video quality, identity verification, recording/storage, tamper-evident technology, and security.
What technology is required for Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Ohio?