MI Notary Signer Identification and Credentialing 2

Question 1

What is the PRIMARY purpose of verifying a signer's identity before performing a notarial act in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the person signing is who they claim to be and prevent fraud

Answer

To comply with IRS reporting requirements

Answer

To verify the signer's legal authority to execute the document

Answer

To confirm that the document itself is legally valid

Question 2

A signer presents a current Michigan Enhanced Driver's License to a notary. How should the notary treat this document?

Accepted Answer

Accept it as valid identification if it is current and not expired

Answer

Reject it because enhanced licenses are only for border crossing purposes

Answer

Require an additional form of identification alongside it

Answer

Contact the Secretary of State to verify its authenticity first

Question 3

Under Michigan law, which individual CAN properly serve as a credible witness to identify a signer?

Accepted Answer

The notary's close friend who also personally knows the signer

Answer

The signer's spouse who is not personally known to the notary

Answer

A stranger who presents a valid photo ID

Answer

The signer's attorney whom the notary has never met before

Question 4

When a Michigan notary relies on personal knowledge to verify a signer's identity, what should be reflected in the notary's journal?

Accepted Answer

A notation that the signer's identity was established through personal knowledge

Answer

A full history of the notary's relationship with the signer

Answer

The signer's Social Security number as backup verification

Answer

Nothing; personal knowledge does not need to be documented

Question 5

A signer presents a currently valid state ID card issued by another U.S. state. A Michigan notary should:

Accepted Answer

Accept it as satisfactory evidence of identity if it contains a photo

Answer

Reject it and require a Michigan-issued document

Answer

Require two forms of out-of-state identification

Answer

Only accept it if the signer has been a Michigan resident for less than 90 days

Question 6

Which factors are MOST critical when evaluating whether an identification document is acceptable for notarization in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

That the ID is government-issued, currently valid, and contains a photograph

Answer

The color, design, and holographic features of the ID

Answer

Whether the ID contains the signer's current residential address

Answer

The age category of the signer as shown on the document

Question 7

A notary notices the signer's name on the document differs slightly from the name on the presented ID (e.g., 'Robert' on the ID vs. 'Bob' on the document). What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Use judgment to determine if the discrepancy is minor and note it appropriately if proceeding

Answer

Proceed without question as long as the photo matches the signer's appearance

Answer

Refuse the notarization without any exception

Answer

Require the signer to obtain a new ID matching the document name exactly