Working with a client you already know? For transactions involving a single signer, Notaries Sourcing Transactions (NST) and In-House Notaries (IHN) can utilize the Personally Known to Notary (PKN) method. This allows signers who are already known to the notary to skip Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and Credential Analysis, significantly reducing the time required to start a meeting.
Eligibility and Requirements
The PKN method is designed for established relationships where the notary is confident in identifying the signer without third-party verification. Here's who can use PKN to verify a signer's identity:
| Notary Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Notaries Sourcing Transactions (NSTs) | Automatic access — no additional setup required. |
| In-House Notaries (IHNs) | Available if enabled by your Proof admin — contact them to confirm. |
| On-Demand Notaries (ODNs) | Not eligible to use this method. |
- Single signers only: PKN can only be used for transactions with one signer.
- New transactions only: PKN must be selected during initial setup — it cannot be applied after a transaction has been sent.
- Internal use only: PKN cannot be used if the transaction is being overflowed to the Notarize Network.
For Senders: Creating the Transaction
Because the notary is providing identification, signers who are personally known do not need a U.S. Social Security number or U.S. address to proceed.
When setting up a single-signer transaction, find the Signing Details section and follow these steps:
- Locate the checkbox labeled Personally known to notary.
- Check the box to enable this identification method for the transaction.
For Notaries: During the Meeting
Once the call begins, the platform will prompt you to confirm your relationship with the signer:
- If you know the signer: Select Yes, Continue to Meeting to proceed.
- If you don't know the signer: Select No, end meeting. This cancels the transaction to maintain security and compliance.
For Signers: The Simplified Flow
Signers experience a streamlined path to the meeting — no KBA or Credential Analysis required:
- Select the link in the email and sign in.
- Confirm their name and provide their date of birth.
- Provide their current location.
- Grant camera and microphone permissions, then select Join Now.
Summary Checklist
- PKN is available to NSTs automatically and to IHNs if enabled by their Proof admin — ODNs are not eligible.
- PKN can only be used for single-signer transactions and must be selected during setup — not after sending.
- Signers skip KBA and Credential Analysis — they only need to confirm their name, date of birth, and location.
- At the start of the meeting, the notary must confirm they personally know the signer before proceeding.
- Review your state's guidelines to confirm PKN is permitted in your jurisdiction before using it.
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