Identity Proofing and Credential Analysis

What is identity proofing?

Identity proofing is the means by which the principal (signer of a document) affirms their identity. This is done through a third party who uses dynamic knowledge based authentication (KBA). KBA is a process in which the principal is asked a series of questions about the principal’s identity and personal history. In order to pass, the principal must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. If the principal fails their first attempt, they may retake the quiz once within 24 hours. If the principal fails a second attempt they are prohibited from retrying with the same notary for at least 24 hours.

What is credential analysis?

Credential analysis is the process by which a principal’s government-issued identification card is validated. The process requires a third party to use technology to confirm the security features on an ID and confirm the ID is not fraudulent. The third party also uses information available from the issuing source or other authoritative source to confirm the details on the credential.

As part of the process, the third party is required to provide an output of the authenticity test to the notary and enable the notary to visually compare the credential used during credential analysis with the principal who has personally appeared before the notary via audio-visual transmission.

Can the notary provide the identity proofing and credential analysis process for the principal?

No. Both Chapter 406 of the Government Code and Chapter 87 of the secretary of state administrative rules require a third party to provide both the identity proofing and credential analysis procedures. By utilizing this technology, your digital certificate, when affixed to the document you have notarized, will make the document tamper evident.

What is an online notary (RON)?

An online notary public is a commissioned notary public in the State of Texas who has the authority to perform a remote notarization using an audio-visual conference rather than having the individual physically appear before the notary at the time of the notarization. The notary must use a third party to perform identify proofing and credential analysis in order to identify the person for whom you are performing the notarization.

Online notaries public in Texas are governed by Subchapter C, Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code and Title 1, Chapter 87 (PDF) of the Texas Administrative Code. Please note that Chapter 87 has been revised effective August 19, 2018.

What is a Notary Signing Agent?

Priscilla Williams, Notary Public State of Texas

A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary who has been trained to handle loan documents. Lenders and title companies hire Signing Agents as independent contractors to assist in the last step of the loan process. What do Notary Signing Agents do? The responsibilities of a Notary Signing Agent generally include printing loan documents, meeting the signer and notarizing their signature, and quickly returning the documents for processing. NSAs are also responsible for following any additional instructions from the lender, title company or signing service that hires them for loan closing work. For example, an NSA may be asked to fax back documents right away or use a specific mailing service to return the paperwork safely. Since Notary Signing Agents have access to private financial information about borrowers and are sent into their client's home, the mortgage finance industry requires all Signing Agents to undergo a background

screening on an annual basis. This helps prevent mortgage fraud and ensures the consumer's information is secure.

Resource: National Notary Association: What is a Notary Signing Agent?