30 questions · 60 min · 70% to pass
Question 1
What replaces the stamp and signature in digital notarization?
Answer: Digital certificate and electronic seal
Question 2
What does platform certification mean in the context of RON technology requirements?
Answer: Platform certification means the RON software has been reviewed and approved by the state to ensure it meets security, identity verification, and recording standards required by law. Notaries may only conduct RON using state-approved platforms to ensure legal compliance.
Question 3
Why does the notary's location—not the signer's—determine RON compliance?
Answer: Notary authority comes from their commissioning state
Question 4
Why might real estate documents be restricted from RON in certain states?
Answer: Some states restrict RON for real estate documents because county recording offices may not yet be equipped to accept electronically notarized instruments, or state law requires specific in-person execution formalities for deeds and mortgages. These restrictions are being phased out as recording infrastructure modernizes.
Question 5
What is the role of state-enacted RON legislation versus an emergency executive order in authorizing RON?
Answer: Permanent RON legislation enacted by a state legislature provides a stable, long-term legal framework with defined standards for platforms, identity verification, and record-keeping. Emergency executive orders issued during crises like COVID-19 provided temporary RON authorization but lacked the permanence and detailed regulatory structure of full legislation.
Question 6
How many questions are in a typical KBA quiz?
Answer: 5 questions, pass 4 correctly
Question 7
Who issues a notary's digital certificate for RON?
Answer: A trusted certificate authority
Question 8
Where may a notary store the audio-visual recordings of RON sessions?
Answer: RON recordings may be stored on the notary's own secure digital media or, more commonly, on the RON platform provider's servers, provided the storage meets state-mandated security and accessibility standards. The notary remains responsible for ensuring the recordings are preserved even if stored by a third party.
Question 9
When a RON platform stores the notary's journal, who retains legal responsibility for the journal's completeness and accuracy?
Answer: Even when the RON platform stores the digital journal, the notary retains legal responsibility for ensuring the journal is complete, accurate, and accessible for the required retention period. The notary must confirm that the platform's records meet state requirements and have contingency access if the platform ceases operations.
Question 10
What must a notary do with the RON recording if the platform provider goes out of business during the retention period?
Answer: If the RON platform ceases operations, the notary must take steps to obtain and preserve the recordings themselves, transferring them to another secure storage solution for the remainder of the required retention period. Notaries should review their platform agreements to understand data recovery procedures before beginning RON practice.