What is the primary role of a notary in a Remote Online Notary session?

The primary role of a notary in a Remote Online Notary (RON) session is to verify the identity of signers and witness their signatures. This function is critical to ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the notarized documents. In a remote setting, the notary uses various forms of technology, such as video conferencing and identity verification tools, to confirm that the individuals participating in the session are indeed who they claim to be. This process is essential to prevent fraud and ensure that all parties are entering into the agreement willingly and with a full understanding of its contents.

Other options do not accurately represent the core responsibilities of a notary. For instance, while processing payments may be part of the overall business transaction, it is not a fundamental duty of the notary. Scheduling appointments can be important for organizational purposes, but it does not fall under the notary's official role during the RON session. Providing legal advice on document contents is also outside the notary’s scope of practice, as notaries are typically not authorized to give legal counsel. Instead, their focus remains on verifying identities and witnessing signatures to uphold the legal standards required for notarization.