--- title: "RON Identity Verification: KBA and Credential Analysis | MCC" description: "How remote online notarization confirms identity: credential analysis of your ID, knowledge-based questions, and what to do if the checks do not pass." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/ron-identity-verification-kba-and-credential-analysis" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # RON Identity Verification: KBA and Credential Analysis Because the notary is not in the room, remote notarization uses extra identity checks. Two of them show up in most sessions: credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Credential analysis checks that your photo ID is real: you photograph or scan the front and back, and software looks at security features, formats and data, sometimes with a selfie compared to the photo. Knowledge-based authentication asks identity questions. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) · [NJ notary fees](/notary/fees) **Free tools:** [Can I get this notarized online?](/notary/can-i-notarize-online) · [Apostille or embassy legalization?](/notary/apostille-finder) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Credential analysis Credential analysis checks that your photo ID is real. You photograph or scan the front and back of the ID, and software looks at security features, formats and data. Some platforms also ask for a selfie to compare against the photo. Passing means the system believes the ID is genuine. It does not prove that you are the person on the ID, which is why other checks exist. Good lighting and a steady hand help. If the scan keeps failing, try placing the card on a table and capturing it from directly above rather than at an angle. ## Knowledge-based authentication Knowledge-based authentication, often called KBA, asks you a short set of multiple-choice questions drawn from public and commercial records. Examples are past addresses, vehicles or loan details. You usually get a limited time to answer and a limited number of attempts. The questions are meant to be hard for someone else to answer. Answer based on your own records, not on guesses. Wrong answers use up attempts quickly. ## Why people fail KBA People with little credit history, recent movers, young adults and people who have frozen their credit may find that the system has too little data to create questions. Others simply misremember. Reading each choice slowly helps. If you fail, do not guess repeatedly, because attempts are limited and the platform may lock you out for a period. Some people are surprised by questions about addresses from many years ago. Keep a list of past addresses in mind or on paper, but only if the platform allows notes during the check. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Alternatives when checks fail Some states and platforms allow other methods, such as a trusted identity proofing step through video with the notary or a credible witness who knows you. Rules differ and not every platform supports each method. Ask the notary what is possible in your state. A traditional in-person notarization remains a fallback. ## What you can do to prepare Use a government-issued photo ID that is current and in good condition, and make sure the name matches the one on the document. Have your recent address history in mind. Check your credit freeze status if you have one, because a freeze can block the data source for KBA. Do the session from a quiet spot where you can focus on the questions. ## How the steps fit together A typical session runs through the checks in order. First comes the ID scan, then a face match or video review, then the knowledge questions, and then the live video with the notary. The notary reviews results and still decides whether to go forward. No single check is perfect, which is why states ask for more than one layer. If any layer raises a concern, the notary can stop the session. ## Common questions **Does the notary see my credit report?** No. The questions come from a third-party identity service. The notary gets a pass or fail result, not your financial details. **Is a selfie always required?** Not always. It depends on the platform and the state rules. Some use a live video comparison instead. ## More notary guides - [Remote Online Notarization: Equipment and Internet Needs](/notary/guides/remote-online-notarization-equipment-and-internet-needs) - [Hybrid and E-Closings: Digital Mortgage Closings Explained](/notary/guides/hybrid-closing-and-ron-for-mortgages) - [Remote Notarization Recordings and Record Retention](/notary/guides/remote-notarization-recordings-and-record-retention) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notarize documents online over secure video with a New Jersey notary. ID verification, electronic seal and a recorded session. Book a RON session. Remote online notary →](/notary/remote-online-notarization)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Free tool: [Remote notarization rules by state](/notary/remote-notarization-status-by-state) Document pack ### Remote Online Notarization & Loan Signing Client Guide Hand clients a clear guide before the appointment and follow a checklist during it, so sessions start prepared and finish clean. [See what is inside ($29)](/toolkits/ron-client-guide) Also in the [Signing Agent Business Bundle](/toolkits/signing-agent-business-bundle): 3 products for $65 instead of $87 separately. Built from the State of New Jersey Notary Public Manual. Check current rules with the state. Or start with the [free 5-part email course](/notary/start-a-notary-business-email-course). Working notary? Get [free rule-change alerts](/notary/rule-change-alerts). ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)