CT Notary Identification and Verification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Connecticut law, which of the following qualifies as 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer's identity?
- The oath of a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary (Correct answer)
- A business card with the signer's name printed on it
- A verbal statement from the signer's coworker whom the notary just met
- A photocopy of an expired library card
Correct answer: The oath of a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary
Connecticut permits identification through a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary.
Question 2: A signer presents a driver's license with a photo that looks noticeably different from the person standing before the notary. What should the CT notary do?
- Proceed, since the license is government-issued
- Refuse to notarize until identity can be established through other satisfactory evidence (Correct answer)
- Notarize but add a note expressing doubt in the certificate
- Ask the signer to sign twice for comparison and then proceed
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize until identity can be established through other satisfactory evidence
If the notary cannot reasonably match the photo to the signer, identity is not established and the notarization must be refused.
Question 3: Which basis for identification requires NO physical identification document in Connecticut?
- A notarized letter from the signer's employer
- The notary's personal knowledge of the signer (Correct answer)
- A utility bill showing the signer's address
- A social media profile matching the signer's name
Correct answer: The notary's personal knowledge of the signer
A notary who personally knows the signer may rely on that personal knowledge without reviewing any documents.
Question 4: What does 'personal knowledge' of a signer's identity generally mean for a Connecticut notary?
- Having met the person once at a public event
- Recognizing the person's name from local news
- Familiarity with the individual through dealings over time sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt about identity (Correct answer)
- Having seen the person's photo on an ID at a prior notarization
Correct answer: Familiarity with the individual through dealings over time sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt about identity
Personal knowledge means acquaintance over time through interactions that removes any reasonable doubt the person is who they claim to be.
Question 5: A credible witness is being used to identify a signer. Which additional step should the notary take with the witness?
- Photocopy the witness's fingerprints
- Administer an oath or affirmation to the witness regarding the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Require the witness to co-sign the underlying document
- Collect a separate notarization fee from the witness
Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation to the witness regarding the signer's identity
The credible witness should be placed under oath or affirmation to vouch truthfully for the signer's identity.
Question 6: Which of these individuals would be the POOREST choice as a credible identifying witness?
- The signer's longtime neighbor known to the notary for years
- A coworker of the signer whom the notary has known a decade
- A person who has a financial interest in the document being notarized (Correct answer)
- The signer's family friend personally known to the notary
Correct answer: A person who has a financial interest in the document being notarized
A witness with a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction lacks the impartiality required of a credible witness.
Question 7: Why should a Connecticut notary examine an identification document's physical features, such as the photo, signature, and physical description?
- To verify the document reasonably identifies the person appearing before the notary (Correct answer)
- To record the details in the county land records
- To determine the signer's credit standing
- Because state law requires photocopying every ID
Correct answer: To verify the document reasonably identifies the person appearing before the notary
Comparing the ID's photo, signature, and description to the person present is how the notary confirms the document actually identifies the signer.
CT Notary Identification and Verification 2
Under Connecticut law, which of the following qualifies as 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer's identity?