CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification 3

Question 1

A signer is confined to a hospital and cannot produce acceptable ID.
A friend visits and swears an oath that the patient is who they say they are.
How many such witnesses are needed if the notary does not know the friend?

Accepted Answer

Two

Answer

One

Answer

Three

Answer

Witnesses are not permitted in this situation

Question 2

Under California law, may a notary rely on personal knowledge of a signer in lieu of an ID document?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a notary who personally knows the signer may rely on personal knowledge

Answer

No, an ID document is always required

Answer

Only for repeat clients with at least 5 prior notarizations

Answer

Only for family members of the notary

Question 3

What constitutes 'personal knowledge' for a California notary identifying a signer?

Accepted Answer

A familiarity with the individual resulting from dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the person is who they claim to be

Answer

Seeing the signer's name on a mailbox or door

Answer

Recognizing the signer from a prior notarization in the journal

Answer

Being told the signer's name by a mutual acquaintance

Question 4

A signer presents a green card (Permanent Resident Card). Is this an acceptable form of ID for a California notarization?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a current Permanent Resident Card is acceptable under California law

Answer

No, only U.S. citizens may use U.S.-issued IDs

Answer

Only if accompanied by a foreign passport

Answer

Only for immigration-related documents

Question 5

What should a California notary do if they suspect an ID document presented is counterfeit?

Accepted Answer

Refuse the notarization and may report suspected fraud to law enforcement

Answer

Accept it if it looks reasonable

Answer

Accept it but note the concern in the journal

Answer

Confiscate the ID and report immediately

Question 6

A California notary notarizes a document for a signer who later turns out to have used a stolen ID. Is the notary liable?

Accepted Answer

The notary may not be liable if they acted in good faith and followed all required identity verification procedures

Answer

Yes, always, because the notary certified the identity

Answer

Yes, the notary is always jointly liable for fraudulent notarizations

Answer

No, the notary is never liable for signer fraud