The short answer: Identity verification confirms who you are so you can complete notarizations and other transactions on Proof. The method used depends on your transaction type and where your notary is commissioned.
Identity Verification Methods
There are multiple ways to confirm your identity on Proof. The methods available for your notarization depend on the state the notary is commissioned by.
IAL2-Compliant Identity Verification +
Uses credential analysis with selfie comparison — a high-confidence standard for confirming you are who you claim to be. Organizations use this for certain transaction types on Proof.
Multi-Step Verification +
Requires two or more forms of identification. Your transaction may use any combination of:
- Knowledge-based authentication — you answer questions only you would know.
- Credential analysis — your ID is validated and compared to your appearance on camera.
- Selfie comparison — a real-time selfie is compared against your photo ID.
Personal Knowledge of Identity +
Applies when the notary personally knows you and can vouch for your identity. This is available only for in-house notaries (IHNs) and notaries sourcing their own transactions (NSTs).
Credible Identifying Witness +
A witness verifies their own identity and then vouches for yours. This option is only available in certain circumstances.
The table below compares the types of identity verification available and what each one requires.
| Verification Method | Requirements to Verify |
|---|---|
| IAL2-compliant identity verification | Credential analysis + selfie comparison |
| Multi-step verification | Any combination of: knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, or selfie comparison |
| Personal knowledge of identity | The notary must personally know the signer. |
| Credible identifying witness | A credible witness must vouch for the signer's identity. |
Summary Checklist
- Proof supports four identity verification methods: IAL2-compliant verification, multi-step verification, personal knowledge of identity, and credible identifying witness.
- The method available to you depends on your transaction type, your organization's settings, and your notary's state commission.
- Once your identity is verified, you may only need to authenticate (not re-verify) for future access.
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