CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following documents is an acceptable form of identification for a California notarization?
- An expired driver's license from 3 years ago
- A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV (Correct answer)
- A Social Security card alone
- A birth certificate alone
Correct answer: A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV
A current California driver's license or DMV-issued ID card is an acceptable form of identification for California notarizations.
Question 2: How old may an ID document be and still be acceptable for a California notarization?
- It must be unexpired (Correct answer)
- Up to 5 years expired is acceptable
- Up to 1 year expired is acceptable
- Up to 3 years expired for passports only
Correct answer: It must be unexpired
California requires that identification documents used for notarization be current and not expired at the time of the notarial act.
Question 3: A signer wants to use a foreign passport to establish identity for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?
- No, only U.S. passports are acceptable
- Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law (Correct answer)
- Only if the passport has a U.S. visa stamp
- Only for non-citizens who lack other ID
Correct answer: Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law
California law specifically lists current foreign passports as an acceptable form of identification for notarial acts.
Question 4: How many credible witnesses are needed to identify a signer in California when the signer is personally unknown to both the notary and the witnesses?
- One witness who knows the notary and the signer
- Two witnesses who personally know the signer and are known to the notary or present acceptable ID (Correct answer)
- One witness who presents acceptable ID
- Three witnesses who can verify the signer's identity
Correct answer: Two witnesses who personally know the signer and are known to the notary or present acceptable ID
When neither the notary nor the witnesses personally know the signer, two credible witnesses—who personally know the signer and present acceptable ID—are required.
Question 5: What makes someone a 'credible witness' for California notarial identity purposes?
- Any adult citizen who knows the signer
- A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- A licensed attorney who can vouch for the signer
- A notary from another county who knows the signer
Correct answer: A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity
A credible witness must personally know the signer, not be named in the document, not have a financial interest in the transaction, and swear an oath to the signer's identity.
Question 6: A signer presents a U.S. military ID card for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?
- No, military IDs are not listed as acceptable in California
- Yes, a current U.S. military ID card is on California's acceptable ID list (Correct answer)
- Only for active-duty military signers
- Only if accompanied by another form of ID
Correct answer: Yes, a current U.S. military ID card is on California's acceptable ID list
California Government Code lists a current U.S. military ID card as an acceptable form of identification for notarial purposes.
CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification 1
Which of the following documents is an acceptable form of identification for a California notarization?