Credential analysis
Credential analysis checks that your photo ID is real. You photograph or scan the front and back of the ID, and software looks at security features, formats and data. Some platforms also ask for a selfie to compare against the photo.
Passing means the system believes the ID is genuine. It does not prove that you are the person on the ID, which is why other checks exist.
Good lighting and a steady hand help. If the scan keeps failing, try placing the card on a table and capturing it from directly above rather than at an angle.
Knowledge-based authentication
Knowledge-based authentication, often called KBA, asks you a short set of multiple-choice questions drawn from public and commercial records. Examples are past addresses, vehicles or loan details. You usually get a limited time to answer and a limited number of attempts.
The questions are meant to be hard for someone else to answer.
Answer based on your own records, not on guesses. Wrong answers use up attempts quickly.
Why people fail KBA
People with little credit history, recent movers, young adults and people who have frozen their credit may find that the system has too little data to create questions. Others simply misremember. Reading each choice slowly helps.
If you fail, do not guess repeatedly, because attempts are limited and the platform may lock you out for a period.
Some people are surprised by questions about addresses from many years ago. Keep a list of past addresses in mind or on paper, but only if the platform allows notes during the check.
Alternatives when checks fail
Some states and platforms allow other methods, such as a trusted identity proofing step through video with the notary or a credible witness who knows you. Rules differ and not every platform supports each method. Ask the notary what is possible in your state.
A traditional in-person notarization remains a fallback.
What you can do to prepare
Use a government-issued photo ID that is current and in good condition, and make sure the name matches the one on the document. Have your recent address history in mind. Check your credit freeze status if you have one, because a freeze can block the data source for KBA.
Do the session from a quiet spot where you can focus on the questions.
How the steps fit together
A typical session runs through the checks in order. First comes the ID scan, then a face match or video review, then the knowledge questions, and then the live video with the notary. The notary reviews results and still decides whether to go forward.
No single check is perfect, which is why states ask for more than one layer. If any layer raises a concern, the notary can stop the session.
Common questions
Does the notary see my credit report?
No. The questions come from a third-party identity service. The notary gets a pass or fail result, not your financial details.
Is a selfie always required?
Not always. It depends on the platform and the state rules. Some use a live video comparison instead.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.