There are up to three (3) acceptable screening processes used for the identification of individuals seeking an online notarization by a Florida Notary Public pursuant to Chapter 117 Section 265 – 2022 Florida Statutes – The Florida Senate (flsenate.gov). The acceptable identity screening processes are as follows:
- Personal knowledge. The Florida Notary Public knows the signer and therefore can forego an online identity verification.
2. Knowledge Based Authentication (“KBA”). This verification method contains four (4) main components along these lines:
- Credential analysis of the signer’s photo identification;
- The Social Security Number of the signer;
- A series of questions going as far back as thirty (30) years and must be answered within two (2) minutes; and
- Adoption of an electronic signature.
3. Another method that meets the standards of the Florida Statutes. This is a tricky one for online notaries and platforms to navigate. It is my understanding that the Statutes do not explicitly say what this method is. However, many online platforms have started using Biometric ID Proofing in lieu of KBA. Biometrics includes a live facial scan of the signer and cross-references the signer’s image with their submitted photo identification.
In brief, online notaries and the platforms used to conduct the notarizations online are not attorneys and therefore cannot practice the law but they are expected to have a strong understanding of Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes. Knowing the expectation helps eliminate signers who may not be eligible for online notarization due to the challenging verification process.
Written by: Genna Rubolino, FRP, General Manager
Florida Notary Public and Florida Online Notary
Guardian Ad Litem: 15th Judicial Circuit
Please note that I, as the author of this article, am not a licensed attorney and as such cannot offer legal advice. No content of this article/blog post is intended as, nor should it be construed as legal advice.