WV Notary Remote Online Notarization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technology must a West Virginia notary use to perform a remote online notarization (RON)?
- Standard telephone audio only
- Audio-video communication technology that allows real-time interaction (Correct answer)
- Pre-recorded video submitted by the signer
- Encrypted email with attached identity documents
Correct answer: Audio-video communication technology that allows real-time interaction
West Virginia law requires real-time audio-video communication technology so the notary and signer can interact simultaneously during a RON.
Question 2: Where must a West Virginia notary be physically located when performing a remote online notarization?
- In the same county as the signer
- In the United States, but any state
- Within West Virginia (Correct answer)
- At an approved notarization center anywhere in the world
Correct answer: Within West Virginia
A WV notary must be physically located within the state of West Virginia at the time of performing a remote online notarization, regardless of where the signer is located.
Question 3: Which identity verification method used in RON requires the signer to answer questions drawn from public and private data about their personal history?
- Credential analysis
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) (Correct answer)
- Biometric fingerprint scanning
- Social media verification
Correct answer: Knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) requires the signer to correctly answer multiple questions about their personal history, such as past addresses or loan details, to verify identity.
Question 4: What type of seal does a West Virginia notary use when completing a remote online notarization?
- A physical rubber stamp affixed to a scanned copy
- An electronic notarial seal attached to the electronic document (Correct answer)
- No seal is required for RON documents
- A wet-ink seal on a printed certificate mailed to the signer
Correct answer: An electronic notarial seal attached to the electronic document
Remote online notarization uses an electronic notarial seal applied to the electronic document, replacing the physical rubber stamp used in traditional notarization.
Question 5: Under West Virginia law, how long must the audio-video recording of a remote online notarization session be retained?
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 5 years
West Virginia requires that the audio-video recording of a remote online notarization be retained for a minimum of five years.
Question 6: Which state authority is responsible for approving remote online notarization platforms used by West Virginia notaries?
- The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
- The West Virginia Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- The West Virginia Legislature
- The West Virginia Bar Association
Correct answer: The West Virginia Secretary of State
The West Virginia Secretary of State oversees and approves the technology platforms that notaries may use to conduct remote online notarizations.
Question 7: Which West Virginia statute provides the primary legal framework for remote online notarization in the state?
- WV Code §39-1 (Traditional Notary Act)
- WV Code §39-4A (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts – Electronic provisions) (Correct answer)
- WV Code §30-3 (Professional Licensing)
- WV Code §46A (Consumer Credit and Protection)
Correct answer: WV Code §39-4A (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts – Electronic provisions)
WV Code §39-4A, enacted as part of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, establishes the rules for electronic and remote online notarizations in West Virginia.
WV Notary Remote Online Notarization 1
What technology must a West Virginia notary use to perform a remote online notarization (RON)?