Identity Proofing
Designated fields for ID type, ID number, issuing jurisdiction, and method used (credential analysis, knowledge-based questions, or credential service provider) so the notary can document signer identity.
A purpose-built RON template streamlines remote notarizations, reduces inconsistent notarization blocks, and captures required audit artifacts. Using a template aligned with RON technical and identity-proofing expectations helps preserve legal enforceability under ESIGN and state RON rules while improving processing speed and record consistency.
Organizations that routinely need notarized business records, or teams that manage distributed signers, adopt this template to centralize required fields and authentication workflows.
The template suits any entity needing consistent, auditable remote notarizations while maintaining compliance with federal and state e-signature frameworks.
Designated fields for ID type, ID number, issuing jurisdiction, and method used (credential analysis, knowledge-based questions, or credential service provider) so the notary can document signer identity.
Placeholders to note A/V session start/end timestamps and storage location to satisfy RON rules that mandate real-time interaction and recorded sessions.
A notarization block with notary name, commission number, jurisdiction, date, and statement of notarial act tailored for remote online execution.
Clear lines for signer legal name, corporate title, and statement of authority (e.g., officer, authorized agent) to document the signer’s capacity and corporate resolution reference.
Instructions for applying a tamper-evident signature seal or cryptographic signature and a reference to the audit trail file that preserves integrity after execution.
Required retention fields indicating how long A/V recordings and notarial journals will be preserved, and where to retrieve the audit record if needed.
| Field Mapping | Map template fields to workflow variables so signer and notary inputs are stored consistently. |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Specify KBA, ID credential analysis, SMS code, or credential provider per state requirements. |
| Recording Storage | Designate secure storage with retention rules for audio‑video recordings and access controls. |
| Notary Role Assignment | Assign a licensed notary profile with commission metadata and signing privileges. |
| Audit Retention | Ensure the platform captures timestamps, IP addresses, and the certificate of completion. |
Confirm the e-notarization platform supports secure A/V recording, identity proofing, and tamper-evident sealing before initiating a RON session.
| Criteria | RON | In-person |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Proofing | remote kba/credential | physical id inspection |
| Interaction | audio‑video session | in-person meeting |
| Recording Required | yes (many states) | |
| Notary Presence | remote visual contact | physical presence |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Export completed files as PDFs with embedded audit certificates; preserve a separate PDF/A archival copy for long-term storage when required.
Provide a timestamped signed PDF to all parties and retain the platform's certificate of completion that logs IP, timestamps, and signer actions.
Attach an audit trail file that includes A/V references, authentication method, and notary metadata to support future evidentiary needs.
Include corporate resolutions, government IDs (redacted copies), and exhibit lists as attachments to the notarized record.
In-house counsel prepares and vets the template, confirms corporate authorization, and coordinates with the notary to ensure the execution language reflects the entity’s governance and statutory requirements.
A title or closing officer uses the template to collect notarizations for deeds and affidavits, verifies witness or witness-exemption rules, and ensures county recording requirements are met after notarization.
5–10 years in many RON statutes
Make an entry at time of act or immediately afterward
Retain tax-related backup for at least 3 years (IRC §6501(a))
Keep I-9s for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination
Use MM/DD/YYYY to avoid ambiguity for deadlines