IN Notary Identifying Signers and Credibility 2

Question 1

Which document is acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity for a signer in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

A current state-issued photo identification card

Answer

A photocopy of a passport

Answer

An expired driver's license from 3 years ago

Answer

A credit card with the person's name

Question 2

A signer approaches an Indiana notary without any identification. The signer offers a credible witness who personally knows the signer and who is personally known to the notary. May the notary proceed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because a credible witness personally known to the notary is a valid identification method

Answer

No, because a government-issued ID is always required

Answer

Yes, but only if two credible witnesses are provided

Answer

No, because credible witnesses can only be used for remote online notarizations

Question 3

An Indiana notary personally knows a signer from years of professional interactions. The signer has no ID available. Can the notary use personal knowledge as identification?

Accepted Answer

Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is a valid basis for identification under Indiana law

Answer

No, Indiana law requires a government-issued ID in all cases

Answer

Yes, but only if the notary documents it with a written statement signed by the signer

Answer

No, because personal knowledge is too subjective and is never allowed

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of requiring identity verification before a notarial act in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

To prevent fraud by confirming the person signing is who they claim to be

Answer

To ensure the notary is compensated appropriately for their service

Answer

To create a legal record of the signer's home address

Answer

To give the notary grounds to refuse service to unfamiliar individuals

Question 5

If a signer presents a U.S. passport that expired 18 months ago, may an Indiana notary accept it as satisfactory evidence of identity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because Indiana allows IDs expired not more than 3 years

Answer

No, because all government IDs must be currently valid with no expiration

Answer

Yes, but only if combined with a second form of ID

Answer

No, because passports are federal documents and cannot be used by state notaries

Question 6

An Indiana notary encounters a signer who presents an identification card but whose appearance differs significantly from the photo. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Use professional judgment and may refuse if genuinely uncertain about the signer's identity

Answer

Accept the ID since the name matches and proceed with notarization

Answer

Always accept any government-issued ID regardless of appearance discrepancy

Answer

Call the police before making any decision