AI in Real Estate · AI in Real Estate Closings & Transactions

Are e-closing platforms using AI to verify signer identity?

Yes — many e-closing and remote online notarization platforms use AI-based identity verification, combining government ID document scanning, facial comparison, and knowledge-based verification questions, with a licensed notary still overseeing and confirming the process.

Key takeaways

E-closing platforms commonly use AI to scan and validate government-issued ID documents for signs of tampering or forgery.
Facial comparison technology matches a live selfie or video feed against the ID photo as part of identity verification.
Knowledge-based authentication, using questions drawn from public and credit-header records, adds another verification layer.
A licensed notary still actively oversees and completes the notarization, even when AI tools support the identity check.

E-closings need a reliable way to verify who’s signing

When a real estate closing happens remotely rather than in person, the platform handling it needs a reliable way to confirm that the person signing is actually who they claim to be, without a notary physically checking an ID in the room. This is where AI-based identity verification tools have become a standard part of most e-closing and remote online notarization (RON) platforms.

How the identity verification typically works

Most platforms combine several layers of AI-assisted verification. Document scanning technology checks a government-issued ID for signs of tampering or inconsistency, comparing it against known formats for that ID type. Facial comparison technology then matches a live selfie or video feed against the photo on the ID. Many platforms also add knowledge-based authentication, asking the signer questions generated from public or credit-header records that only the actual person would likely know.

A licensed notary still oversees the process

Even with these AI-assisted checks, a licensed notary remains actively involved, observing the live video session and making the final determination that notarization requirements have been met. The AI tools support and strengthen the identity verification process; they don’t replace the notary’s legal role in witnessing the signing.

State-by-state variation matters

Requirements for remote online notarization, including what identity verification methods are legally acceptable, vary by state. Some states have detailed statutory requirements for the specific technology used, while others have more general standards, which means the exact verification process a signer experiences can differ depending on where the transaction takes place.

Bottom line

AI-based identity verification — combining ID document scanning, facial comparison, and knowledge-based authentication — has become a standard part of how e-closing platforms confirm signer identity, working alongside, rather than replacing, the licensed notary’s oversight of the closing.

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Important caveats

Requirements and available technology for remote online notarization vary significantly by state.
This is general industry information, not legal advice about a specific state's e-closing or notarization requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is remote online notarization (RON)?

RON allows a notary to witness a document signing remotely via live video rather than in person, typically combined with identity verification technology, and is permitted under specific laws that vary by state.

Is knowledge-based authentication the same as facial recognition?

No — knowledge-based authentication asks the signer questions drawn from public or credit-header records to confirm identity, while facial comparison technology separately matches a live image against the signer's ID photo; e-closing platforms often use both together.

Can someone opt for an in-person closing instead of an e-closing?

In most cases yes, depending on the lender, title company, and state requirements — e-closing and remote online notarization are generally offered as an option rather than a mandatory replacement for traditional in-person closings.

Sources

[1]Remote online notarization standards and resources — American Land Title Association
[2]Digital identity verification guidance — National Institute of Standards and Technology

Written by Editorial Team

Last updated July 28, 2026

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