CO Notary Signer Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should a Colorado notary do if a signer cannot provide satisfactory identification?
- Proceed and note it in the journal
- Refuse to perform the notarial act (Correct answer)
- Call the Secretary of State for guidance
- Accept any document the signer provides
Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act
If the notary cannot satisfactorily identify the signer, the notary must refuse to perform the notarial act.
Question 2: A signer presents a military ID to a Colorado notary. Is this acceptable?
- No, only civilian IDs are accepted
- Yes, a military ID with photo and signature is acceptable (Correct answer)
- Only if accompanied by a second form of ID
- Only for federal documents
Correct answer: Yes, a military ID with photo and signature is acceptable
A U.S. military identification card with a photograph and signature is an acceptable form of identification.
Question 3: Which characteristic must an ID document have to be acceptable for Colorado notarization?
- Must be issued by Colorado specifically
- Must include a photograph and signature (Correct answer)
- Must include the signer's address
- Must be laminated
Correct answer: Must include a photograph and signature
Acceptable identification must include a photograph and signature to reliably link the document to its holder.
Question 4: If a signer's name on the document differs slightly from their ID, what should a Colorado notary do?
- Refuse notarization under all circumstances
- Use judgment — minor variations like middle name omissions are typically acceptable (Correct answer)
- Require the signer to obtain new ID
- Contact law enforcement
Correct answer: Use judgment — minor variations like middle name omissions are typically acceptable
Minor name discrepancies such as omitting a middle name are often acceptable; significant discrepancies should prompt refusal.
Question 5: Can a Colorado notary notarize a document for a person appearing via telephone?
- Yes, if the notary knows the person
- No, the signer must appear in person or via approved audio-video (Correct answer)
- Yes, with the notary's discretion
- Only for acknowledgments
Correct answer: No, the signer must appear in person or via approved audio-video
Colorado requires the signer to appear in person before the notary, or via approved audio-video technology for remote notarization.
Question 6: What does 'personal appearance' mean in the context of Colorado notarization?
- Mailing the document to the notary
- The signer being physically present before the notary at the time of the act (Correct answer)
- The signer having previously met the notary
- Electronic communication with the notary
Correct answer: The signer being physically present before the notary at the time of the act
Personal appearance means the signer is physically present before the notary at the exact time the notarial act is performed.
CO Notary Signer Identification 2
What should a Colorado notary do if a signer cannot provide satisfactory identification?