GA Notary Verifying Signer Identity 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A signer wants to notarize a power of attorney but presents only a photocopy of their driver's license. How should a Georgia notary respond?
- Accept the photocopy since it clearly shows the photo and information
- Refuse — the original, physical ID document must be presented (Correct answer)
- Accept it if the copy appears unaltered and matches the signer's appearance
- Accept it only for low-risk documents like affidavits
Correct answer: Refuse — the original, physical ID document must be presented
Georgia notaries must examine the original identification document; photocopies cannot be authenticated and are not acceptable substitutes.
Question 2: A credible witness in a Georgia notarization must swear or affirm what about the signer?
- That the signer is a U.S. citizen in good standing
- That the signer is the individual named in the document and is signing voluntarily (Correct answer)
- That the signer is not under any legal disability
- That the signer has read and understands the document
Correct answer: That the signer is the individual named in the document and is signing voluntarily
A credible witness must swear or affirm that the signer is the person named in the document being notarized.
Question 3: Under what circumstance may a Georgia notary proceed WITHOUT seeing the signer's photo ID?
- When the document value is under $5,000
- When the signer is personally known to the notary (Correct answer)
- When the signing takes place at an attorney's office
- When the signer has a high credit score on file
Correct answer: When the signer is personally known to the notary
Personal knowledge of the signer is a legally recognized alternative to documentary ID under Georgia notary law.
Question 4: A signer provides a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as identification. How should a Georgia notary treat this document?
- Reject it because only U.S. citizen documents are acceptable
- Accept it as a valid, government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- Accept it only if it was issued within the last two years
- Require it to be accompanied by a foreign passport
Correct answer: Accept it as a valid, government-issued photo ID
A U.S. Permanent Resident Card is a federal government-issued photo ID and is acceptable for notarial identification purposes.
Question 5: When a Georgia notary records information about a signer's ID in the notary journal, which detail is MOST important to capture?
- The signer's home address as listed on the ID
- The type of ID, issuing authority, and ID number or expiration date (Correct answer)
- The font and color scheme of the ID card
- Whether the signer appeared nervous or reluctant
Correct answer: The type of ID, issuing authority, and ID number or expiration date
Best practice requires journaling the type of ID, the issuing authority, and the ID number or expiration date to create an auditable record.
Question 6: A signer has no government-issued ID but is vouched for by one credible witness who is personally known to the notary. Is this sufficient in Georgia?
- No, at least two credible witnesses are always required
- Yes, one credible witness known to the notary is sufficient in Georgia (Correct answer)
- Only if the witness is also a licensed attorney
- Only if the document is not a real property instrument
Correct answer: Yes, one credible witness known to the notary is sufficient in Georgia
Georgia law permits one credible witness to substitute for documentary ID when that witness is personally known to the notary.
Question 7: What is the PRIMARY reason Georgia notaries verify a signer's identity before completing a notarization?
- To comply with IRS tax reporting requirements
- To prevent fraud and ensure the person is who they claim to be (Correct answer)
- To confirm the signer has read the document in question
- To establish the signer's creditworthiness
Correct answer: To prevent fraud and ensure the person is who they claim to be
Identity verification is the foundation of notarization — it prevents fraud by confirming the signer is the person named in the document.
GA Notary Verifying Signer Identity 3
A signer wants to notarize a power of attorney but presents only a photocopy of their driver's license.
How should a Georgia notary respond?