RON Signings: KBA and IDV Overview
To ensure the integrity of a legal signature, notaries must verify that the signers are exactly who they say they are. This verification process consists of two primary pillars: Identity Verification (IDV) and Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA).
1. Identity Verification (IDV)
IDV is the digital version of handing a physical ID to a notary over a desk. It uses Credential Analysis technology to confirm the authenticity of your government-issued identification.
What is required:
- A Valid Photo ID: Usually a Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
- Smartphone or Webcam: The signer will be prompted to take a high-quality photo of the front and back of your ID.
- Security Check: The system automatically analyzes security features (like holograms, watermarks, and barcodes) to ensure the document is not fraudulent or expired.
2. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
KBA is a "quiz" designed to prove your identity based on personal history. It uses information found in public records (like credit headers or property records) to generate questions that only the signer should be able to answer.
What is required:
- Personal Information: They must provide their legal name, date of birth, and often the last four digits of your SSN to pull the correct record.
- The Quiz: They will be presented with 5 multiple-choice questions.
- Examples: "Which of these addresses have you lived at?”
- The Passing Grade: Per state regulations, they must answer 4 out of 5 questions correctly within a strict time limit (usually 2 minutes).
Key Requirements for a Successful Session
To ensure the RON signing goes smoothly, please keep the following in mind:
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Technology |
A stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone. |
|
ID Quality |
Ensure the ID is laid flat on a dark surface with no glare or shadows when taking the photo. |
|
KBA Attempts |
If the signer fails the KBA quiz twice, it will show as a failed KBA. They should cancel the session with the reason being KBA failure. If they want to try again they will have to wait 24hrs. The signing can then be rescheduled. |
|
US Presence |
Most KBA systems require a US-based credit or public record history to generate questions. |
Why is this necessary?
While it may seem like an extra hurdle, these steps are legally mandated by state law. They provide a tamper-evident audit trail and a higher level of security than traditional in-person signings, protecting both the signer and the notary from identity theft.