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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

IA Notary - Iowa Notary Exam Practice Test

IA Notary - Iowa Notary Exam Practice Test

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