What Happens If I Fail Identity Verification Online?

Quick answer: if you fail identity verification during online notarization, the session pauses and the notary cannot complete the notarial act until the issue is resolved. This isn’t the end of the road, most causes are fixable, but the notary legally can’t skip the step. Depending on your state, you’ll either retry, use a different ID, or use an authorized alternative like a credible witness.

This is one of the most common friction points in remote notarization, and it’s usually fixable once you know why it happened. The notary isn’t just checking that you look like yourself on camera, the platform runs credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) that have to pass for the notarization to be valid. Here’s what happens next and how to get through it.

Why Identity Verification Fails (and How to Fix Each One)

• Blurry or unreadable ID scan: retake the photo in good lighting, on a flat surface, with no glare. This is the most common and easiest fix.
• Expired or damaged ID: switch to a different current ID (a passport is a great backup). See whether a remote notary can accept an expired ID.
• Failed KBA questions: these come from public and commercial records, so they can trip up people who moved recently or have a limited credit history. You usually get a limited number of attempts (often two).
• Mismatched personal info: double-check that the name and details you entered exactly match your ID and records.
• Poor camera, lighting, or connection: restart under better technical conditions, a stable connection and good lighting matter more than people expect.

What Happens After a Failed Attempt

The exact workflow depends on the platform and your state, but it generally follows this pattern. First, you’ll typically get a chance to retry, uploading a clearer ID image or answering a fresh set of KBA questions within the allowed number of attempts. If retrying doesn’t work, some states authorize a credible witness, a person who can appear and vouch for your identity when standard verification fails. If no authorized alternative applies, the session is stopped and rescheduled so you can resolve the issue.

The key thing to understand is that this strictness is a feature, not a bug. The notary can’t waive identity verification, doing so would make the notarization invalid, which is exactly what keeps the process legally trustworthy. For the full picture of how these checks work, see how remote notaries verify your identity.

How to Avoid Failing in the First Place

• Have a valid, unexpired government photo ID ready, see what ID you need for remote notarization
• Use good lighting and a stable internet connection
• Make sure the name you enter matches your ID exactly
• Have a backup ID on hand in case the first one won’t scan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try identity verification again after failing?

Usually yes, within a limited number of attempts. You can often retake your ID photo or get a new set of KBA questions. If you still can’t pass, your state may allow a credible witness, or you’ll reschedule.

What if I keep failing the KBA questions?

KBA can be hard for people who moved recently or have limited credit history. If you exhaust your attempts, ask whether your state and platform permit a credible witness as an alternative.

Will I be charged if verification fails?

This depends on the provider’s policy. Many don’t complete the charge until the notarization is finished, but confirm the specific platform’s terms before you start.

Ready to Try Again?

Most verification failures are quick fixes, a clearer ID photo, a backup credential, or a better connection. Start with a trusted, compliant provider that clearly explains its verification process, compare options in our guide to the best online notary services, or go straight to notarize your documents online.