Remote Online Notarization Rules Flashcards

An Iowa notary wishes to begin performing Remote Online Notarizations (RONs). Which of the following is a mandatory prerequisite before they can offer this service?

Answer: Complete an approved training course and register with the Iowa Secretary of State.

According to the Iowa Secretary of State, a commissioned notary must complete a state-approved training course on remote notarization and register their intent to perform RONs with the Secretary of State's office before performing their first remote notarial act.

A signer located in another state needs a document notarized for a property transaction in Iowa. The Iowa-commissioned remote notary is physically located in Des Moines. Which statement is true regarding this scenario?

Answer: The notarization is permissible as long as the notary is physically located within Iowa at the time of the notarial act.

Iowa law allows a commissioned remote notary to perform a remote online notarization for a remotely located individual, regardless of the signer's location, provided the notary is physically located within the borders of Iowa at the time of the notarial act.

Which of the following technology platforms is explicitly forbidden for use in conducting a Remote Online Notarization in Iowa?

Answer: A standard video-conferencing service like Zoom or Skype.

Iowa Code chapter 9B and administrative rules require the use of specific RON software that includes features like identity-proofing, e-signing capabilities, and secure storage of the notarial act recording. General video-conferencing platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Facebook are not designed for this purpose and do not meet these requirements.

During a RON session, a notary in Iowa must verify the identity of a remotely located individual they do not personally know. Which of the following is an acceptable method of identification under Iowa law?

Answer: Remote presentation of a government-issued ID, credential analysis, and successful completion of knowledge-based authentication (KBA).

Iowa's rules for remote notarization outline a multi-factor identity verification process. This includes the remote presentation of a government-issued identification credential, analysis of that credential for authenticity, and a process where the signer must correctly answer a series of personal questions, known as knowledge-based authentication.

An Iowa-commissioned remote notary is conducting a RON. According to Iowa law, what part of the interaction must be recorded and stored?

Answer: A recording of the audio-visual conference of the notarial act itself.

Iowa law mandates that the notary create an audio-visual recording of the performance of the notarial act. This recording must be securely stored by the notary or a designated third party. The recording serves as evidence that the notarial act was performed correctly.

A notary public in Iowa has a standard commission. To be authorized to perform remote online notarizations, they must:

Answer: File an application with the Secretary of State and identify the approved technology they will use.

Holding a standard notary commission is the first step, but it does not automatically grant the ability to perform RONs. A notary must submit a specific application or notification to the Iowa Secretary of State, indicating their intent to perform remote notarizations and identifying the state-approved technology provider they will use.