RI Notary Remote Online Notarization (RON) 4

Question 1

A Rhode Island notary wants to switch to a different RON technology vendor. What should the notary do first?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State of the new communication technology before using it

Answer

Nothing, since the original notification covers all future vendors

Answer

Obtain the signer's permission in writing

Answer

Wait until the current commission term ends

Question 2

How may a credible witness be used to identify a remotely located signer?

Accepted Answer

A credible witness who personally knows the signer can verify identity, and the witness's own identity must be verified

Answer

Credible witnesses are prohibited in all RON sessions

Answer

Any adult on the video call may serve without identity checks

Answer

The witness must be physically present with the notary only

Question 3

What is the purpose of tamper-evident technology on an electronically notarized document?

Accepted Answer

To make any alteration to the document after notarization detectable

Answer

To prevent the document from ever being copied

Answer

To hide the notary's electronic signature from view

Answer

To encrypt the document so only the signer can read it

Question 4

During a RON session, the notary suspects the signer is being coached by someone off-screen and appears unwilling. What is the proper response?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to perform the notarization because willingness and competence are in doubt

Answer

Proceed but note the suspicion in the journal afterward

Answer

Ask the off-screen person to co-sign the document

Answer

Complete the act quickly to end the session

Question 5

Which statement about fees for remote online notarization in Rhode Island is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Notaries may charge for RON only as permitted by state rules and should disclose fees before the service

Answer

RON fees are unlimited and never need disclosure

Answer

Notaries must always perform RON for free

Answer

The signer sets the fee after the session ends

Question 6

A title company asks the notary to hand over the original audio-visual recording and keep no copy. May the notary comply?

Accepted Answer

No, the notary must ensure the recording remains retained per statute, though a copy may be provided

Answer

Yes, once the transaction closes the recording belongs to the title company

Answer

Yes, if the company signs a release form

Answer

No, recordings may never be shared with anyone

Question 7

What distinguishes remote online notarization from simply notarizing an electronic document in person?

Accepted Answer

In RON the signer appears before the notary through audio-visual technology rather than physically

Answer

RON documents are always paper while in-person electronic documents are digital

Answer

RON does not require the notary to verify identity

Answer

There is no difference between the two