IA Notary - Iowa Notary Remote Online Notarization Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Pay an additional $100 registration fee to the Secretary of State.

Answer

Have at least two years of experience as a traditional notary public.

Answer

Purchase a separate errors and omissions insurance policy specifically for RONs.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The notarization is prohibited because the signer is not physically in Iowa.

Answer

The notary must travel to the signer's location to perform the notarization.

Answer

The notarization can only be completed if the property is also located outside of Iowa.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A standard video-conferencing service like Zoom or Skype.

Answer

A platform that provides knowledge-based authentication questions.

Answer

A system that allows for the electronic affixing of the notary's official stamp.

Answer

Software that records and stores the audio-visual session of the notarial act.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Verbal confirmation of the signer's date of birth and social security number.

Answer

Presentation of a student ID card from a major university.

Answer

An oath or affirmation of a credible witness who personally knows the signer and appears before the notary.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Only the audio portion of the notarial act.

Answer

The entire audio-visual session, including the identity verification process.

Answer

No recording is required if the notary keeps a detailed paper journal entry.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Automatically gain the ability upon their commission renewal.

Answer

Pass a separate, state-administered exam specifically on remote notarization.

Answer

Work exclusively for a title company or law firm.