What is a Remote Online Notarization (R.O.N)?

A Florida Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a legally authorized process that allows a Florida commissioned notary public to notarize documents electronically using secure audio-video communication technology over the internet. Instead of meeting in person, the signer and the notary interact remotely through a secure online platform.

               How are RONs performed?

Florida law permits commissioned Remote Online Notaries to perform notarizations for individuals located anywhere in the United States or internationally, provided the notarization complies with Florida legal requirements.

During a remote online notarization session, the signer’s identity is verified through multiple security measures, including:

  • Credential verification of a government-issued photo ID
  • Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
  • Secure audio-video communication
  • Electronic signatures and electronic notarial seals

The entire notarization session is recorded and securely retained as required by Florida law to help protect against fraud and maintain compliance.

Credential Verification (CV)

Credential Verification is an additional identity verification process used in Florida Remote Online Notarizations to confirm the authenticity of the signer’s government-issued identification.

During the credential analysis process, the signer uploads or scans a valid photo ID, such as:

  • Driver’s license
  • State-issued identification card
  • U.S. passport

The RON platform uses automated technology to examine the credential for authenticity by reviewing:

  • Security features
  • Data consistency
  • Tampering indicators
  • Expiration status
  • Image integrity

Credential Verification helps detect fraudulent or altered identification documents before the online notarization session begins.

 Florida Credential Verification Standards

  • The credential must be current or issued within the legally permitted timeframe.
  • The ID must contain a photograph and signature.
  • The analysis must use approved automated software processes.
  • The credential verification must occur prior to the live audio-video notarization session.

What happens if I fail the CV?

If the signer’s government-issued identification cannot be validated:

  • The credential analysis process will reject the ID.
  • The notarization session cannot continue until valid identification is provided.
  • The signer may need to upload a clearer image or use a different acceptable ID.

Credential Verification may fail due to:

  • Expired identification
  • Blurry or poor-quality images
  • Damaged or altered IDs
  • Unsupported document types
  • Mismatched information

 

Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA)

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is a security process used during Remote Online Notarizations (RON) in Florida to help verify the identity of a signer before a document is notarized online. KBA helps ensure the person signing the document is who they claim to be by asking personal history questions generated from public and private data sources.

Under Florida law, the signer must successfully complete a dynamic KBA assessment before the notarization session can proceed. The assessment typically includes multiple-choice questions related to the signer’s financial history, addresses, vehicle ownership, or other personal records that only the true individual is likely to know.

Florida KBA Requirements

  • The signer must correctly answer at least 80% of the questions.
  • Questions are time-limited to enhance security.
  • If the signer fails the first attempt, they may be allowed one additional attempt after receiving a new set of questions.
  • Failure to pass KBA prevents the notarization from proceeding.

The KBA process is performed through a secure remote online notarization platform that complies with Florida’s identity-proofing standards.

What happens if I fail the KBA analysis?

If the signer does not correctly answer the required number of identity verification questions:

  • The signer may be allowed a second attempt using a new set of questions.
  • The questions are generated from secure public and private data sources.
  • If the signer fails the second attempt, the online notarization session must be terminated, and another RON session cannot be reattempted for 24 hours. 

Common reasons for KBA failure include:

  • Outdated public records
  • Incorrect personal information
  • Credit history discrepancies
  • Limited identity history available in databases

In case of either a CV or KBA verification failure, an in-person mobile notary session is almost always an available option. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

This is all too complicated. Can't we just use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Facetime, or some other general e-conferencing application?

No. Those platforms are not secure and do not have the credentialing capabilities required under Florida law. Florida law requires CV and KBA analysis to detect identification alteration and to prevent fraud. 

What happens to the information that I provide to you during the session?

Copies of the ID, entire video recorded session and all documents notarized during the session must be retained for 10 years as required by Florida law. 

Why are RONs so expensive? 

While the maximum fee a notary can charge for a single RON act is $25, there are additional costs such as platform fees, document handling and processing fees, data storage fees, and emailing fees. All of those costs are extra, which can drive up the cost of the RON session.

How do I get started?

To get started, we'll first need to get you'll first need to schedule your RON consult. Simply, click the button below to be taken to my scheduling page. Once there, select your appointment time, and I will call you at that time to discuss your RON appointment needs and to provide you with a written, itemized estimate of the costs. 

After you've reviewed and approved the estimate, we will schedule the RON session. I will send you an email invite to the platform for the agreed upon time, and we (along with any witnesses required by the documents) will log on to conduct the session. After the session has completed, I will send you a session invoice. After the invoice is paid, I will then email you the notarized documents and forward them to anyone that you direct should also receive copies. 

Beyond the ordinary