MO Notary - Missouri Notary Proper Signer Identification Questions and Answers

Question 1

A signer appears before a Missouri notary for an acknowledgment but does not have an acceptable form of identification.
The signer's spouse is present and offers to act as a credible witness.
The notary has known the spouse for several years.
According to Missouri law, why would using the spouse as a credible witness be improper?

Accepted Answer

The spouse may have a financial interest in the transaction, making them not impartial.

Answer

A credible witness cannot be personally known to the notary.

Answer

A credible witness must be a blood relative of the signer.

Answer

Missouri law requires two credible witnesses if the signer lacks ID, never just one.

Question 2

Under Missouri law, which of the following best defines 'personal knowledge of identity' for the purpose of identifying a signer?

Accepted Answer

Familiarity with an individual resulting from interactions over a period of time sufficient to dispel any reasonable uncertainty that the individual has the identity claimed.

Answer

Having met the signer once at a community event.

Answer

Recognizing the signer from a photo on social media.

Answer

Being formally introduced to the signer by a trusted colleague just before the notarization.

Question 3

A principal appears before a Missouri notary and presents several documents for identification. Which of the following is an example of 'satisfactory evidence' of identity?

Accepted Answer

A current, state-issued driver's license bearing a photographic image, signature, and physical description.

Answer

A U.S. Social Security card combined with a credit card that has a photo.

Answer

A valid, unexpired passport issued by the Canadian government.

Answer

A student ID card from a private university and a signed birth certificate.

Question 4

A signer who is unknown to the notary and lacks proper identification brings two individuals to serve as credible witnesses. To properly identify the signer using this method, the notary must:

Accepted Answer

Administer an oath or affirmation to the two witnesses, who must each personally know the signer and present satisfactory documentary identification to the notary.

Answer

Personally know both of the credible witnesses.

Answer

Require the two witnesses to sign an affidavit, but not require them to present their own identification.

Answer

Accept the witnesses' verbal confirmation and record their phone numbers in the journal.

Question 5

A notary is asked to notarize a signature for an individual they have never met. The individual presents a valid Missouri non-driver ID card that contains a photo, signature, and physical description. Which of the following is the notary's primary responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Carefully compare the photograph and physical description on the ID with the person present.

Answer

Contact the issuing agency to verify the ID is authentic.

Answer

Require the signer to provide a second form of identification for confirmation.

Answer

Refuse the notarization because the signer is not personally known.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an authorized method for a Missouri notary to verify the identity of a principal?

Accepted Answer

Verification of a signature from a signature guarantee medallion program (STAMP).

Answer

The notary's personal knowledge of the principal.

Answer

The oath of one credible witness who is personally known to the notary.

Answer

Presentation of a current U.S. passport that includes a photograph and signature.