NM Notary Remote Online Notarization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before performing a remote online notarization in New Mexico, a notary must first do which of the following?
- Notify the Secretary of State and identify the communication technology to be used (Correct answer)
- Obtain written permission from the county clerk
- Pass a separate RON examination administered by the courts
- Post an additional $50,000 surety bond
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and identify the communication technology to be used
Under New Mexico's RULONA, a notary must notify the Secretary of State before performing remote notarizations and identify the technology vendor to be used.
Question 2: During a remote online notarization, how must the remotely located individual appear before the New Mexico notary?
- By real-time, two-way audio-visual communication technology (Correct answer)
- By a recorded video submitted in advance
- By telephone call with voice verification
- By email exchange of scanned documents
Correct answer: By real-time, two-way audio-visual communication technology
RON requires simultaneous, real-time audio-visual communication that allows the notary and signer to see and hear each other.
Question 3: Which combination satisfies identity proofing for a remotely located individual the notary does not personally know?
- Credential analysis of a government ID plus knowledge-based authentication (Correct answer)
- A photocopy of a Social Security card alone
- A verbal statement of the signer's date of birth
- A utility bill mailed to the notary
Correct answer: Credential analysis of a government ID plus knowledge-based authentication
When the notary lacks personal knowledge, identity is verified through at least two processes, typically credential analysis combined with knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
Question 4: How long must a New Mexico notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization?
- At least 10 years after the recording is made (Correct answer)
- At least 1 year after the notarization
- Only until the notary's commission expires
- At least 25 years in the state archives
Correct answer: At least 10 years after the recording is made
New Mexico's RULONA requires the RON audio-visual recording to be retained for at least 10 years.
Question 5: A signer located in another U.S. state asks a New Mexico notary for a remote online notarization. Is this permitted?
- Yes, if the notary is physically in New Mexico when performing the act (Correct answer)
- No, both parties must be inside New Mexico
- Yes, but only if the other state also authorizes RON
- No, unless a court order authorizes it
Correct answer: Yes, if the notary is physically in New Mexico when performing the act
The notary must be physically within New Mexico, but the remotely located individual may be anywhere in the United States.
Question 6: In the certificate for a remote online notarization, the New Mexico notary must indicate what?
- That the notarial act was performed using communication technology (Correct answer)
- The IP address of the remotely located individual
- The brand of computer used by the signer
- The signer's home address and phone number
Correct answer: That the notarial act was performed using communication technology
The certificate must state that the notarial act involved a remotely located individual and was performed using communication technology.
Question 7: Which of the following is a valid alternative to credential analysis and KBA when identifying a remote signer?
- The notary's personal knowledge of the individual or a verified credible witness (Correct answer)
- A notarized letter from the signer's employer
- The signer's membership card from a professional association
- A selfie photo emailed before the session
Correct answer: The notary's personal knowledge of the individual or a verified credible witness
Personal knowledge, or oath of a credible witness who appears before the notary, can substitute for technological identity proofing.
NM Notary Remote Online Notarization 2
Before performing a remote online notarization in New Mexico, a notary must first do which of the following?