AZ Notary Identity Verification and Signer Authentication

Question 1

Which of the following is an acceptable primary identification document for a notary to verify a signer's identity in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport

Answer

A recent utility bill showing the signer's name and address

Answer

A signed personal check with a matching signature

Answer

An employer-issued employee badge with a photo

Question 2

Under Arizona law, what is 'personal knowledge' as a basis for verifying a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

The notary has had dealings with the signer over time and can unambiguously identify the person

Answer

The notary has seen the signer's photo ID on a previous occasion

Answer

The notary recognizes the signer's handwriting from prior documents

Answer

The notary has a coworker who can vouch for the signer

Question 3

When may an Arizona notary use a credible witness to verify a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

When the signer cannot produce satisfactory evidence of identity and the notary does not personally know the signer

Answer

Whenever the notary prefers not to inspect a physical ID document

Answer

Only when the signer is physically disabled and cannot present an ID

Answer

When the signer's ID is expired by no more than 30 days

Question 4

For an Arizona notary to use a credible witness, which of the following must be true?

Accepted Answer

The credible witness must personally know the signer AND be personally known to the notary or present satisfactory evidence of identity to the notary

Answer

The credible witness only needs to state under oath that they know the signer

Answer

The credible witness must be a licensed attorney or law enforcement officer

Answer

The credible witness must be a co-signer on the document being notarized

Question 5

Which document does NOT qualify as a government-issued photo ID for signer identification purposes in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A university student ID card issued by a state university

Answer

A current U.S. passport

Answer

An Arizona driver's license

Answer

A U.S. military identification card

Question 6

A signer presents an Arizona driver's license that expired six months ago. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Decline to use the expired license as satisfactory evidence of identity and seek an alternative verification method

Answer

Accept the license because the photo and information are still accurate

Answer

Accept the license if the signer signs an affidavit confirming the information is unchanged

Answer

Accept the license because Arizona allows a 12-month grace period for expired IDs