WHAT IS KBA? UNDERSTANDING KNOWLEDGE-BASED AUTHENTICATION FOR ONLINE NOTARIZATION
Remote Online Notarization (RON) makes it possible to have certain documents notarized online without meeting the notary in person. But before an online notarization can take place, the signer must go through identity verification.
One of the identity verification methods you may encounter during a RON appointment is Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA).
At Notaries by Deb, I use the BlueNotary platform to provide convenient Remote Online Notarization services. Understanding KBA ahead of time can help you feel more prepared for your online appointment.
WHAT DOES KBA MEAN?
KBA stands for Knowledge-Based Authenitcation.
It is an identity verification process that asks you questions based on information associated with your identity. The purpose is to help verify that the person participating in the online notarization is actually the person they claim to be.
The questions are generally based on information from databases and records associated with your identity.
For example, you may be presented with questions involving:
Previous addresses
Past or current loans
Property information
Other identifying information
The questions are designed to be information that should be familiar to you but may not be readily known by someone attempting to impersonate you.
WHY IS KBA USED FOR REMOTE ONLINE NOTARIZATION?
When a. n otarization takes place online, the notary cannot physically examine the signer in the same room.
Because of this, additional identity-verification procedures are used.
KBA can provide an additional layer of identity verification before the online notarization proceeds.
Depending on the specific RON transaction and applicable requirements, other identity verification methods may also be involved.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING KBA?
If KBA is required for your online notarization, you will be directed through the identity-verification process on the RON platform.
You may be asked a series of multiple-choice questions.
Take your time and read each question carefully. The information may come from records that you recognize, but the wording can sometimes be unexpected.
A FEW HELPFUL TIPS
Before starting your appointment:
Have your identification available. Make sure you have the identification document required for your notarization.
Use your legal information. When entering information, use the information associated with your identity and identification documents.
Read each question carefully. Don’t rush through the questions. Make sure you understand what is being asked before selecting an answer.
Don’t guess repeatedly. If you don’t recognize the information in a question, carefully review the choices before answering.
Choose a quiet location. A reliable internet connection and a quiet environment can make the online notarization process easier.
WHAT IF I DON’T PASS KBA?
Don’t panic.
Not passing a KBA session does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong. There can be situations where a person’s information does not match the records being used for authentication or where the questions contain information the signer does not recognize.
KBA HELPS MAKE ONLINE NOTARIZATION MORE SECURE
Identity verification is an important part of Remote Online Notarization.
KBA is one tool that may be used to help establish a signer’s identity before completing an online notarization. Combined with other required security and verification procedures, it helps create a more structured process for comleting notarizations remotely.
Notaries by Deb provides Remote Online Notarization services using the BlueNotary platform.
With RON, eligible documents can be notarized remotely through an online session, making the process convenient for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
IS KBA THE SAME THING AS SHOWING MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?
No, KBA is a separate identity-verification process.
DO I NEED TO MEMORIZE ANYTHING FOR KBA?
No. The questions are based on information associated with your identity. You simply answer the questions presented during the authentication process.
