The Notary Education Group - Blog #Florida RON identity proofingThe Notary Education Group - Blog #Florida RON identity proofinghttps://www.thenotaryeducationgrp.com/blogs/tag/florida-ron-identity-proofingTue, 05 May 2026 10:05:36 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Florida Online Notaries: The Hidden Alternative to Virginia for Foreign Signers]]>https://www.thenotaryeducationgrp.com/blogs/post/florida-online-notaries-the-hidden-alternative-to-virginia-for-foreign-signersFlorida online notaries can serve foreign signers without an SSN. Learn how RON works with KBA or biometric verification under Florida law.]]>

Virginia Online Notaries Are Not the Only Ones: Florida Online Notaries Can Also Serve Foreign Persons Without a Social Security Number

When it comes to online notarization for foreign persons without a Social Security Number (SSN), many assume that Virginia is the only state that allows this. However, it’s time to expand your knowledge—Florida online notaries can also perform online notarizations for individuals without an SSN.

Understanding Florida’s Online Notarization Laws

Florida’s statutes provide clear guidance on how online notaries can verify the identity of individuals, even those without an SSN. According to Florida Statute 117.265(4), an online notary public must confirm the identity of the principal by either:

  1. Personal Knowledge of the principal; or

  2. Remote Identity Verification, which includes:

    • Remote presentation of a government-issued identification credential.

    • Credential analysis of the government-issued identification credential.

    • Identity proofing using knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or biometric verification.

Identity Proofing Options in Florida

Florida law allows two different types of identity proofing for online notarization:

  • Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)

  • Biometric Verification

This is explicitly stated inFlorida Statute 117.201(7), which defines identity proofing as a process in which a third party affirms an individual’s identity using public or proprietary data sources, such as KBA or biometric verification.  Florida law does not require both to be used together—RON platforms can choose to implement either method as long as it complies with statute.

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)

KBA questions are designed to verify a signer's identity by requiring answers to questions derived from personal and financial information, such as:

  • Past addresses

  • Loan amounts

  • Vehicle registrations

  • Credit history details

The data is sourced from credit reports, public records, and other databases, making it a secure form of verification. However, if the signer does not have an SSN or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), KBA cannot be used.

Biometric Verification: The Alternative for Non-U.S. Citizens

When an individual does not have an SSN or ITIN, Florida online notaries bypass KBA and rely on biometric verification. This method uses unique physical or behavioral characteristics such as:

  • Facial recognition

  • Fingerprint scanning

  • Voice pattern analysis

For non-U.S. citizens, the acceptable form of identification for online notarization in Florida is a foreign passport. According to Florida Statute 117.201(6) However, for an online notarization of a principal not located within the United States, a passport issued by a foreign government not including the stamp of the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services may be used as a government-issued identification credential to verify the principal’s identity.

SSN vs. ITIN: What’s the Difference?

  • Social Security Number (SSN): A unique nine-digit identification number issued by the U.S. government to citizens, permanent residents, and certain authorized non-immigrant workers.

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): A tax processing number issued by the IRS to nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot obtain an SSN.

And...Now You know!

If you need a document notarized online but do not have an SSN, you are not limited to Virginia notaries. Florida online notaries are fully capable of performing notarizations for foreign individuals using biometric verification. Whether you choose a Virginia or Florida online notary, rest assured that remote online notarization is accessible and legally compliant.

Need a Florida online notary who understands the rules for foreign signers? Book your notarization today and get secure, compliant service—no SSN required.
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