Remote Online Notarization (RON) Flashcards

A Texas online notary public is preparing to perform a remote online notarization for a principal who is currently traveling in France. Which of the following statements correctly describes the location requirements for this notarization?

Answer: The notary must be physically located in Texas, but the principal can be located anywhere in the world.

According to Subchapter C, Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code, a commissioned Texas online notary public must be physically located within the state of Texas at the time of the notarization. However, the law explicitly permits the principal (signer) to be located anywhere, including outside of Texas or even internationally, during the RON session.

A key component of a Texas remote online notarization is verifying the signer's identity when they are not personally known to the notary. Which of the following is a mandatory, multi-step process for remote identification?

Answer: Credential analysis of a government-issued ID and a process of knowledge-based authentication (KBA).

Texas law requires a two-part process for identifying a remote principal not personally known to the notary. This involves: 1) Credential analysis, where a third-party service verifies the validity of the signer's government-issued ID, and 2) Identity proofing, often through knowledge-based authentication (KBA), where the signer must correctly answer questions based on their personal and credit history.

An online notary public's electronic record for each RON session must contain specific elements. In addition to the information required for a traditional notarization, what unique item must be included for every online notarization?

Answer: A recording of the complete audio-visual conference.

Texas Government Code §406.108 mandates that the electronic record for an online notarization must include a recording of the audio-visual conference. This recording serves as evidence that the notarial act was performed in compliance with RON standards, including the proper identification of the principal.

To perform their first remote online notarization, a commissioned Texas Notary Public must complete several steps. Which of the following is a required action before conducting any online notarial acts?

Answer: Obtain a digital certificate and electronic seal, and submit an application to the Secretary of State for authorization to perform online notarizations.

Before performing RONs, a traditional Texas notary must apply for and receive a separate commission as an online notary public. This process involves obtaining a digital certificate (containing an electronic signature) and an electronic seal from a third-party vendor and then submitting an online application to the Secretary of State.

A Texas online notary's digital certificate, which is used to apply their electronic signature, has expired. What is the notary's required course of action according to state law?

Answer: Replace the expired digital certificate and provide a copy of the new certificate to the Secretary of State within 10 days of the replacement.

Texas Government Code and administrative rules require an online notary public to replace an electronic seal or digital certificate that is expired or no longer valid. The notary must then provide a copy of the new seal or certificate to the Secretary of State within 10 days of its replacement to remain in compliance.

During a RON session, the technology platform must ensure the security and integrity of the notarization. Which of the following is a key technological requirement for a compliant RON in Texas?

Answer: The audio-visual communication must be live, synchronous (real-time), and secure from unauthorized interception.

Texas law defines online notarization as a notarial act performed using two-way video and audio conference technology. This requires a live, real-time interaction between the notary and the principal. The notary must also take reasonable steps to ensure this communication is secure from unauthorized interception to protect the integrity of the notarial act.