PA Notary Identifying Signers

Question 1

What is the primary and most common method for a Pennsylvania notary to obtain satisfactory evidence of a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

Verification of a government-issued identification credential

Answer

Personal knowledge of the signer

Answer

A sworn statement from the signer

Answer

Identification by one credible witness

Question 2

When can a Pennsylvania notary use 'personal knowledge' to identify a signer?

Accepted Answer

If the notary has a sufficient acquaintance with the individual to be certain of their identity.

Answer

If the notary has met the signer once before at a social event.

Answer

If a trusted colleague introduces the signer to the notary.

Answer

If the signer is a well-known public figure.

Question 3

A signer appears before you without an acceptable ID. Which of the following is a valid option for the notary to proceed with the notarization?

Accepted Answer

Use a credible witness who can swear to the signer's identity.

Answer

Accept two credit cards with the signer's name.

Answer

Have the signer sign an affidavit of identity they drafted themselves.

Answer

Refuse the notarization as there are no other options.

Question 4

Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a notarial act in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

A valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign government.

Answer

A university student ID card with a photo.

Answer

A U.S. birth certificate.

Answer

A credit card with a photograph.

Question 5

What are the requirements for a person to serve as a credible witness in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The witness must personally know the signer and be identified by the notary.

Answer

The witness must be a family member of the signer.

Answer

The witness must be a resident of the same county as the notary.

Answer

The witness must sign the document that is being notarized.

Question 6

A notary is asked to notarize a document for an individual whose driver's license expired two months ago. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse the notarization until the signer provides a current, valid ID.

Answer

Proceed, but make a note in the journal that the ID was expired.

Answer

Proceed if the photo on the ID still clearly resembles the signer.

Answer

Ask for a second, non-expired item like a utility bill to supplement the ID.

Question 7

If a notary uses a credible witness to identify a signer, what information about the witness must be recorded in the notary journal?

Accepted Answer

The witness's name, address, and signature.

Answer

The witness's phone number and relationship to the signer.

Answer

The witness's date of birth and employer.

Answer

A photocopy of the witness's identification.