Identity verification overview

Identity verification is the verification of a person's identity and is usually performed one time. Once verified, a person's identity may need to be authenticated each time they access a system or resource, for example, when you use your password to log in to your account.

There are multiple methods for identity verification. The methods available for verifying a signer's identity for notarizations vary depending on the state where the notary is commissioned.

The Proof platform provides multiple methods for identity verification.

1. IAL2-compliant identity verification uses credential analysis with selfie comparison and is a standard for establishing with a high degree of confidence that someone is who they claim to be. This can only be used by organizations for certain transactions on the Proof platform.
2. Multi-step verification requires a user to present two or more forms of identification to prove their identity. This can include combinations of the following:
   • Knowledge-based authentication requires the signer to answer questions only that person would know.
   • Credential analysis validates an ID and compares it to the person on camera.
   • Selfie comparison utilizes a real-time selfie photo compared with a valid photo ID.
3. Personal knowledge of identity is used when the notary personally knows the signer and can vouch for their identity. This is only used for in-house notaries (IHNs) or notaries sourcing their own transactions on the Proof platform (NSTs).
4. Credible identifying witness verifies their own identity and then vouches for the identity of the signer. This can only be used in certain circumstances.

The table below compares the types of identity verification available on the Proof platform. Click a link below to learn more about each method.