Free Identification & Credential Verification Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A notary asks a signer to present identification. The signer responds that they have no ID but insists the notary knows them from the neighborhood. The notary should:
- Proceed immediately because recognizing someone is sufficient
- Evaluate whether they have genuine personal knowledge meeting state law standards; proceed cautiously or use credible witnesses (Correct answer)
- Refuse because neighborhood acquaintance never qualifies
- Ask for any document the signer has available
Correct answer: Evaluate whether they have genuine personal knowledge meeting state law standards; proceed cautiously or use credible witnesses
If the notary genuinely has personal knowledge of the signer's identity from prior direct acquaintance, this may satisfy the identification requirement in many states. However, the notary must be confident — mere recognition from the neighborhood may not be sufficient.
Question 2: What information on a government-issued photo ID does a notary typically verify during identification?
- Only the name and photograph
- Name, photograph, expiration date, and physical description (Correct answer)
- Only the photograph and ID number
- Name, address, and social security number
Correct answer: Name, photograph, expiration date, and physical description
The notary typically verifies the name (matches the document), photograph (matches the signer), expiration date (not expired), and physical description or other security features to confirm the ID's authenticity.
Question 3: In most states, which form of ID is NOT generally acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity for a notarial act?
- A current US passport
- A current state driver's license
- A Social Security card (no photograph) (Correct answer)
- A current US military ID
Correct answer: A Social Security card (no photograph)
A Social Security card does not contain a photograph and thus is not satisfactory evidence of identity for a notarial act in most states. Photo identification is a standard requirement.
Question 4: A credible witness who is identified by the notary must meet which standard in most states?
- The witness only needs to verbally state their own name
- The witness must be identified by the notary using satisfactory evidence of identity (Correct answer)
- The witness must be a licensed attorney or official
- The witness only needs to be an adult resident of the state
Correct answer: The witness must be identified by the notary using satisfactory evidence of identity
In most states, if the notary uses the credible witness method, the witness must also be identified by the notary using satisfactory evidence (e.g., a government-issued photo ID). The witness's credibility must be verifiable.
Question 5: Which statement about fingerprinting as an identification method in notary journals is correct?
- Fingerprinting replaces the need for a photo ID in all states
- Some states permit journal fingerprinting as an additional fraud deterrent, supplementing standard ID verification (Correct answer)
- Fingerprinting is prohibited in all notary practice
- Fingerprinting is required for every notarial act nationwide
Correct answer: Some states permit journal fingerprinting as an additional fraud deterrent, supplementing standard ID verification
Some states permit or require a fingerprint (thumbprint) in the notary journal as an additional fraud deterrent for certain documents (e.g., deeds). The fingerprint supplements rather than replaces standard ID verification.
Question 6: Why is it important for a notary to record the type and ID number of the identification document in the journal?
- To comply with federal identity theft statutes
- To create a verifiable audit trail that can confirm identity verification if the notarization is challenged (Correct answer)
- To allow the state to confirm the signer's identity
- To enable the notary to contact the signer in the future
Correct answer: To create a verifiable audit trail that can confirm identity verification if the notarization is challenged
Recording the ID type and number in the journal creates a verifiable audit trail. If the notarization is later challenged, the journal entry can confirm which ID was presented, supporting the legitimacy of the act.
Free Identification & Credential Verification Questions and Answers 3
A notary asks a signer to present identification.
The signer responds that they have no ID but insists the notary knows them from the neighborhood.
The notary should: