Skip Identity Verification if Notary Personally Knows Signer – Proof Help Center
The Proof Help Center explains that for single-signer transactions where the notary personally knows the signer, Notaries Sourcing Transactions (NST) and enabled In-House Notaries (IHN) can use the Personally Known to Notary (PKN) method to bypass Knowledge-Based Authentication and Credential Analysis, streamlining the process by selecting the "Personally known to notary" option during transaction setup, though this method is restricted to new, internal transactions with single signers and is unavailable to On-Demand Notaries (ODNs) or overflowed transactions.
Audience: Organizations and Notary-Sourced Transactions (NST)
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:
- 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.
Key Restrictions
- 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:
- 1.Locate the checkbox labeled Personally known to notary.
- 2.Check the box to enable this identification method for the transaction.
Pro tip: Need to change the identification method after sending? You'll need to Recall (real estate) or Edit (business) the transaction first.
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:
- 1.Select the link in the email and sign in.
- 2.Confirm their name and provide their date of birth.
- 3.Provide their current location.
- 4.Grant camera and microphone permissions, then select Join Now.
Notary laws regarding personal knowledge vary by state. Review your state's guidelines to confirm this method is permitted in your jurisdiction before proceeding.
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.
Still unsure? Contact Proof Support for help.
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