WI Notary Electronic and Remote Notarization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What Wisconsin law authorizes electronic and remote online notarizations?
- Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 140, enacted as part of the Uniform Notarial Acts (Correct answer)
- Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 706 only
- Federal ESIGN Act exclusively
- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DFI
Correct answer: Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 140, enacted as part of the Uniform Notarial Acts
Wisconsin Chapter 140 (Uniform Notarial Acts) provides the statutory framework authorizing both electronic and remote online notarizations in the state.
Question 2: What additional step must a Wisconsin notary complete before performing remote online notarizations?
- Register with the Department of Financial Institutions for remote notarization authorization (Correct answer)
- Complete a separate bar exam
- Obtain approval from their county clerk
- Pay a special surety bond
Correct answer: Register with the Department of Financial Institutions for remote notarization authorization
Wisconsin notaries must apply for and receive specific authorization from the Department of Financial Institutions before performing remote online notarizations.
Question 3: What technology is required for Wisconsin remote online notarizations?
- Two-way audio-visual communication technology (Correct answer)
- Telephone only
- Email exchange
- Text messaging
Correct answer: Two-way audio-visual communication technology
Wisconsin law requires two-way audio-visual communication so the notary can see and hear the signer in real time during a remote online notarization.
Question 4: How must a Wisconsin notary identify a remotely located signer?
- Through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing by an approved RON platform (Correct answer)
- Only through personal knowledge
- By checking social media profiles
- By calling the signer's employer
Correct answer: Through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing by an approved RON platform
Wisconsin remote notarization requires identity verification through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing processes approved by the state.
Question 5: Must Wisconsin remote online notarizations be recorded?
- Yes, the audio-visual session must be recorded and retained (Correct answer)
- No, recording is optional
- Only if the signer requests it
- Only for real estate documents
Correct answer: Yes, the audio-visual session must be recorded and retained
Wisconsin law requires that remote online notarization sessions be recorded and that the recording be retained for a specified period.
Question 6: How long must a Wisconsin notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization?
- At least 10 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 30 days
Correct answer: At least 10 years
Wisconsin requires remote online notarization recordings to be retained for at least 10 years after the notarial act.
WI Notary Electronic and Remote Notarization 1
What Wisconsin law authorizes electronic and remote online notarizations?