ID Verification & Technical Requirements for New York RON

Remote Online Notarization (RON) requires successful identity verification and a compatible device. This guide explains credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication (KBA), credible witnesses where permitted, and how to prepare for a New York RON appointment.

Related: Remote Online Notary | How It Works | Eligibility & Limitations | Contact & Intake

Identity Verification Requirements

Each signer must complete the identity-verification steps required for the particular session. These may include:

• Credential analysis: A clear capture of an acceptable government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is analyzed for authenticity. The entire ID must be visible and free of glare, shadows, blur, or obstruction.
• Knowledge-based authentication (KBA): Where applicable, the signer answers identity questions based on available U.S. records. Not every signer has a sufficient record to complete KBA.
• Face or likeness verification: The platform may require a live face capture and comparison with the ID.
• Alternative identity procedure: When standard verification cannot be completed, a credible-witness procedure may be considered for eligible requests, subject to New York law and platform requirements. It is not automatically available.

How to Avoid a Failed ID Scan

• Use bright, even lighting without flash reflections or shadows over the ID, especially on passport security features.
• Keep the ID flat, steady, fully within the camera frame, and in focus.
• Use the exact legal name and accurate personal information requested by the platform.
• Complete every verification step and wait for a clear completion result before closing the page.
• If the system appears to say you are finished but verification is not confirmed, or you are unsure whether an attempt counted, contact us before retrying. An incomplete attempt may not register as a completed failure.

Credible Witness Requirements

For some signers who cannot complete standard verification, two credible witnesses may be considered when legally permitted and supported by our RON platform. This is an identity-verification procedure, not the same as witnesses required to sign a document.

• Each credible witness must personally know the signer.
• Each must be able to complete the identity checks required for the session.
• Both must be available to participate in the live session and take the required oath.
• Witnesses must meet applicable impartiality and eligibility requirements, including any restrictions on financial interest.
• For our current verification workflow, witnesses may need a Social Security number and a verifiable U.S. residential address. We confirm requirements before scheduling.

Important: Credible witnesses cannot be assumed to resolve every failed ID or KBA attempt. We must review the signer's situation and the document first.

Information Needed to Set Up Your Appointment

For a standard RON session:

• Complete, unsigned document in PDF format (no screenshots or photos in place of the PDF)
• Each signer's full legal name as it appears on identification
• A separate email address for each signer, so invitations reach the correct person
• Intended use, destination country if applicable, any receiving-authority instructions, and deadline

If credible witnesses may be needed, also provide:

• Signer's residential address
• Both proposed credible witnesses' full legal names
• Both witnesses' email addresses and residential addresses
• Any additional information requested after our eligibility review

Technical Requirements

Our RON platform supports compatible modern browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Mozilla Firefox is not supported. A functioning camera, microphone, speakers, and reliable internet connection are required.

• Desktop / Laptop: Compatible Windows or macOS computer with webcam, microphone, speakers, and an up-to-date supported browser (not Firefox).
• Tablet / Smartphone: Use a compatible device and supported browser for identity verification and the live session. Confirm compatibility before your appointment if unsure.
• Connection: Stable internet, camera and microphone permissions enabled, and a quiet, well-lit location.

Additional Considerations

• No VPN: Disable VPNs, anonymizing connections, and private/incognito browsing during verification.
• Credit freezes: A freeze or limited U.S. identity-record history may affect KBA. Ask us before changing any credit-security settings; lifting a freeze is not always necessary or sufficient.
• Address consistency: Enter your accurate residential information as requested. Verification may rely on U.S. address and identity records; overseas signers may need an eligibility review.
• Timing: Complete identity verification after receiving your invitation and before the appointment, preferably at least 20 minutes in advance, following the invitation instructions.

Documents That Cannot Be Done Through Our Online Service

Our online notarization service does not handle the following documents:

• Wills and codicils
• Trust documents
• Health care proxies
• New York statutory powers of attorney
• Any document requiring a procedure that cannot be completed remotely or not accepted in remote form by the receiving authority

Other documents are evaluated individually. For more information, see Document Eligibility & Limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions About RON Verification

Which browsers can I use for RON?

You may use a compatible modern browser, including Chrome, Safari, or Edge. Firefox is not supported. If you are using a phone or tablet, check that your browser and device support the verification and live-session features before your appointment.

Why did my passport or driver's license scan fail?

Common causes include glare, shadows, blur, incomplete framing, or an unreadable security feature. Try a clear, evenly lit capture and contact us if the platform does not confirm completion.

What if I fail KBA or cannot answer the identity questions?

Contact us before making repeated attempts. We can review whether a further verification attempt or an alternative identity procedure is appropriate for your circumstances.

Can a signer living outside the United States complete RON?

Sometimes. The signer must meet applicable New York requirements and successfully complete an approved identity-verification procedure. Acceptance of the completed document overseas is a separate question.

Are credible witnesses always available if I cannot verify my identity?

No. Their use depends on applicable law, document eligibility, witness qualifications, and platform support. We review the details before confirming an appointment.

What if my verification screen says complete but the notary cannot see a completed result?

Please contact us and describe what the screen shows. A partially completed attempt may not be recorded as a completed failure, so further steps should be coordinated rather than guessed.

Related: Remote Online Notary | How It Works | Eligibility & Limitations | Contact & Intake