RON is a type of notarization where the signer(s) appear before the notary using an online audio-visual platform to sign and notarize documents electronically.

Determining if a state is RON-eligible is no small feat. Individual states create unique laws requiring users to navigate a patchwork of regulations and guidelines. Pactima created the Eligibility Engine to help determine whether a loan or entire loan portfolio is eligible for RON, in-person electronic notarization (IPEN), or eRecording. It is exclusively available through the Pactima digital mortgage platform and automatically aggregates laws and emergency measures at the town, county, and state levels. It immediately informs which transaction types are available for each loan.

Here’s a list of states where RON is legal.

Adding RON to existing workflows is straightforward and easy with WiFi-enabled computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Most RON and digital mortgage platforms are cloud-based, making documents and information accessible anywhere, at any time. There is a training component inherent to learning any new technology, but onboarding with the right RON partner should come with onboarding support, training, and troubleshooting.

“Going RON” doesn’t mean sacrificing security. In fact, the safety measures enacted with RON may be more secure than a traditional in-person notarization closing. First, RON helps eliminate the risk of fraud through better identity authentication. Audio-visual technology records and saves every notarization session, and all signers, notaries, and closing participants must have their identities verified through KBA or credential analysis before the signing takes place. Second, when conducting a RON closing, the platform you’ve chosen to work with will ensure that fully executed closing documents are tamper-sealed and therefore, can’t be altered after everyone leaves the closing table. Pactima, for example, takes safeguarding one step further and produces an accompanying digital audit trail that could serve you well in the unfortunate event of litigation post-closing. Lastly, all documents are sent or stored electronically for an extra layer of defense.

KBA stands for knowledge-based authentication, which is a layered safeguard to ensure the identity of a signer. KBA is designed to reduce fraud and provide a secure experience for all parties. In a KBA session within the Pactima platform, Signers will first enter their current address, as well as date of birth. Signers are then asked five questions in a two-minute period. To pass, four out of five questions must be answered correctly. Signers will be given two attempts to pass. if they do not pass in either attempt, they are required to wait 24 hours before they are able to try again. This is a MISMO® regulation.

Remote online notarization is the electronic notarization of official mortgage documents and, at a minimum, requires audio-visual technology. In addition to audio-visual technology, multi-factor authorization, electronic witnessing, ID verification, eSignature, digital notary seals, and eRecording make for an even more seamless and secure digital closing experience.