Why Mobile Devices Provide the Highest Security and Success Rate for ID Verification

In Remote Online Notarization (RON), identity verification is one of the most important steps—and also one of the most common points of failure. What many people don’t realize is that using a mobile device instead of a laptop dramatically improves both security and verification success rates.

Whether you’re new to RON or a seasoned notary, understanding why mobile devices outperform laptops—and how to guide clients effectively—can prevent failed sessions, reduce fraud risk, and enhance the signer experience.

Why Mobile Devices Are Superior for ID Verification

1. Significantly Better Camera Quality

Modern smartphones are built with high-resolution cameras, sophisticated autofocus, and advanced lighting adjustment. Laptops, on the other hand, typically rely on basic, low-quality webcams.

Sharper ID images and clearer selfies help verification systems read security features, detect tampering, and confirm identity with far greater accuracy.

2. Flexible Angles and Easier Positioning

Phones can be angled, tilted, lifted, and moved freely—making it easier for signers to place their ID flat on a dark surface or capture it without glare. Laptop webcams are fixed in place, limiting the signer’s ability to adjust for lighting or focus.

3. Fewer Lighting and Glare Issues

Smartphones automatically adjust exposure and lighting, giving a much higher chance of producing a clear, readable scan. Laptop webcams often struggle with room lighting, shadows, and glare—leading to repeated verification failures.

The Security Benefit: Why Restricting ID Uploads Helps Prevent Fraud

Allowing signers to upload ID photos from their device’s gallery may seem convenient—but it opens the door to fraud. Uploaded images can be edited, stolen, or pulled from the internet.

Live capture using a phone camera dramatically reduces this risk.

• It ensures the ID is physically present during the verification process.
• It prevents the use of screenshots, counterfeit images, or manipulated files.
• It captures real-time security markers like holograms, edges, and light reflections.
• It aligns with best practices used by banks, government agencies, and major ID verification systems.

This is why many secure RON platforms—including ProNotary—restrict ID uploads and instead require a live capture using the signer’s smartphone.

How Notaries Can Guide Clients Through the Process

• Before the session: Let clients know that using their mobile device is recommended for ID verification.
• During the session: If verification fails, encourage them politely to switch to their phone and move to a well-lit area.
• Show empathy: Explain the camera limitations of laptops in a supportive way.
• Keep it simple: Platforms like ProNotary allow secure text or email links so the signer can switch devices without restarting.

Sample Script You Can Use

“Sometimes laptops have trouble picking up the details we need from your ID. If you’re open to it, switching to your phone usually works much better. The camera is sharper and the scan only takes a moment.”

Clear guidance like this helps signers feel supported rather than frustrated.

ProNotary Makes Device Switching Seamless

With ProNotary, clients can switch from a laptop to a mobile device instantly during the verification process—no restarts, no lost progress. This flexibility ensures a smoother verification experience and keeps your workflow on track.

When secure technology and clear signer guidance work together, identity verification becomes faster, easier, and far more reliable.