Digital & Electronic Notarization Technology FAQs

An electronic notary seal is the digital equivalent of a physical rubber stamp. It is an image or digital certificate that a notary affixes to an electronic document during a remote online notarization. Most states require it to meet tamper-evident standards and be uniquely tied to the commissioned notary.

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is an identity verification method used in remote online notarization. The signer is asked a series of multiple-choice questions drawn from their credit history, past addresses, and financial records — information only the real person should know. KBA is required by most RON platforms in addition to ID verification.

You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, a valid email address, and a government-issued ID. Most platforms work through your web browser — no special software installation is required.

Yes. RON platforms are required by most state laws to record the entire audio-video session and store the recording for a minimum period (typically 5–10 years, varying by state). Recordings are generally accessible only to the notary, the RON platform for compliance review, and courts or law enforcement via legal process.

A tamper-evident seal uses cryptographic technology to 'lock' the document after notarization. If anyone alters the document after the seal is applied, the seal becomes visually invalid and breaks — making unauthorized changes detectable by any PDF viewer.

Acceptance varies. Most courts, lenders, government agencies, and businesses in RON-authorized states accept digitally notarized documents. Some institutions — particularly foreign governments and certain U.S. federal agencies — still require wet-ink notarization. Always verify acceptance requirements before scheduling a RON session.