DC Notary DC Notary Signer Identification Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document would be considered acceptable satisfactory evidence of identity for a DC notarization?
- A library card with the signer's name
- A government-issued photo ID containing a signature (Correct answer)
- A utility bill showing the signer's address
- A business card with the signer's title
Correct answer: A government-issued photo ID containing a signature
DC law requires satisfactory evidence of identity, which includes government-issued photo identification that also contains a signature.
Question 2: What is a 'credible witness' in the context of DC notarization?
- A licensed attorney who drafts the document
- A person personally known to the notary who vouches under oath for the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- A second notary who co-signs the certificate
- A court interpreter who translates for the signer
Correct answer: A person personally known to the notary who vouches under oath for the signer's identity
A credible witness is someone personally known to the notary who takes an oath to the identity of a signer who lacks acceptable identification.
Question 3: If a DC notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity, what additional identification is required?
- A government-issued photo ID must still be presented
- Two credible witnesses must also vouch for the signer
- No additional identification is required (Correct answer)
- A sworn affidavit from the signer is needed
Correct answer: No additional identification is required
Personal knowledge of the signer's identity is itself one of the legally recognized methods under DC law, requiring no additional documentation.
Question 4: Which of the following documents would NOT be acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity for a DC notarization?
- A valid U.S. passport
- A current DC driver's license
- A valid U.S. military ID card
- An expired foreign passport (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An expired foreign passport
An expired document does not constitute satisfactory evidence of identity, as the document must be current and valid at the time of notarization.
Question 5: What should a DC notary do if a signer appears but is unable to present acceptable identification or a credible witness?
- Proceed based on the signer's verbal assurance
- Refuse to perform the notarial act (Correct answer)
- Complete the act and note the lack of ID in the certificate
- Contact DCRA for emergency authorization
Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act
A DC notary must refuse to perform a notarial act when the signer's identity cannot be satisfactorily established.
Question 6: Can a DC notary accept a current foreign passport as identification for a notarization?
- No, only U.S.-issued documents are acceptable
- Yes, if it is current and contains a photograph and signature (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only with an official English translation attached
- No, foreign documents require embassy verification first
Correct answer: Yes, if it is current and contains a photograph and signature
A current foreign passport containing a photograph and signature is generally acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity for DC notarization.
DC Notary DC Notary Signer Identification Requirements 1
Which document would be considered acceptable satisfactory evidence of identity for a DC notarization?