RI Notary - Rhode Island Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Rhode Island notary has received authorization to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON). For a valid RON session, where must the notary and the remotely located individual be physically located?
- Both the notary and the signer must be physically located within Rhode Island.
- The notary must be physically located in Rhode Island, but the signer can be located anywhere in the world. (Correct answer)
- The signer must be physically located in Rhode Island, but the notary can be located in any state that authorizes RON.
- Both the notary and the signer can be located anywhere, as long as the RON platform is approved by the RI Secretary of State.
Correct answer: The notary must be physically located in Rhode Island, but the signer can be located anywhere in the world.
According to Rhode Island law and guidance from the Secretary of State, the notary public must be physically present within the boundaries of Rhode Island during the remote online notarization session. However, the signer (remotely located individual) is permitted to be located anywhere, inside or outside of the United States.
Question 2: Which of the following technology platforms is explicitly forbidden for conducting a Remote Online Notarization in Rhode Island?
- A state-approved RON solution provider with built-in identity proofing.
- A secure audio-visual platform that allows for real-time, direct interaction.
- Consumer-grade video chat applications like FaceTime or Zoom. (Correct answer)
- A platform that provides a secure electronic journal and tamper-evident technology.
Correct answer: Consumer-grade video chat applications like FaceTime or Zoom.
Rhode Island regulations require notaries to use a secure, approved RON solution provider. These platforms have specific security features for identity verification, journaling, and creating a tamper-evident document. The state explicitly prohibits the use of common consumer-grade video chatting software like Zoom or FaceTime for official RON sessions.
Question 3: For how long must the audio-visual recording of a Remote Online Notarization session be retained by the notary or a designated repository?
- 5 years
- 7 years
- 10 years (Correct answer)
- The duration of the notary's commission term
Correct answer: 10 years
Rhode Island law mandates that the complete audio-visual recording of the RON performance must be created and retained for a minimum period of ten (10) years after the recording is made.
Question 4: A notary is preparing to perform their first RON. Before conducting the notarization, what must the notary do to comply with Rhode Island Secretary of State requirements?
- Obtain a separate insurance policy specifically for remote notarizations.
- Register with the Secretary of State, identifying the technology provider they will use, and submit a copy of their electronic stamp. (Correct answer)
- Pass a specialized RON examination administered by the state.
- Publish a notice in a local newspaper announcing their remote notarization services.
Correct answer: Register with the Secretary of State, identifying the technology provider they will use, and submit a copy of their electronic stamp.
Before performing any remote online notarizations, a commissioned notary must first register with the RI Department of State's Notary Division. This registration involves completing an update form, identifying the approved RON solution provider the notary intends to use, and providing a copy of the digital stamp and signature issued by that provider.
Question 5: During a RON session in Rhode Island, which of the following is a required element that must be included in the notarial certificate?
- The physical address of the remotely located individual.
- The name of the specific RON platform used for the session.
- The total fee charged for the notarial act.
- A statement indicating that the notarial act utilized communication technology. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A statement indicating that the notarial act utilized communication technology.
To distinguish a remote notarization from a traditional, in-person one, the notarial certificate for a RON must include a statement substantially similar to: 'The notarial act utilized communication technology.'
Question 6: What is the maximum fee a Rhode Island notary may charge for a single Remote Online Notarization?
- $5.00
- $15.00
- $25.00 (Correct answer)
- A reasonable fee agreed upon by the notary and the signer.
Correct answer: $25.00
Rhode Island law specifies that a notary public may charge a maximum fee of $25 per notarial act or document when performing a remote online notarization. The notary must disclose any fees to the signer before the transaction occurs.
RI Notary - Rhode Island Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) Questions and Answers 1
A Rhode Island notary has received authorization to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON).
For a valid RON session, where must the notary and the remotely located individual be physically located?