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Information Center > Digital Closings > Frequently Asked Questions > Complying with RON Law > 4. May the signatures of foreign nationals be notarized remotely or is it only available to U.S. cit

4. May the signatures of foreign nationals be notarized remotely or is it only available to U.S. cit

Answer:  Although the RON law allows for the notarization of foreign nationals, the identity verification process for those individuals is currently problematic because of the “knowledge-based authentication (KBA)” and credential analysis requirements of the statute.  All signers must present a form of identification subject to verification and current technology cannot verify foreign passports.  The principal must also go through KBA, which currently requires a U.S. tax identification number and U.S. credit history. It may therefore be difficult to qualify foreign nationals for RON until sometime in the future.


Answer:  Although the RON law allows for the notarization of foreign nationals, the identity verification process for those individuals is currently problematic because of the “knowledge-based authentication (KBA)” and credential analysis requirements of the statute.  All signers must present a form of identification subject to verification and current technology cannot verify foreign passports.  The principal must also go through KBA, which currently requires a U.S. tax identification number and U.S. credit history. It may therefore be difficult to qualify foreign nationals for RON until sometime in the future.