Document and Identification Verification Flashcards

A regular customer at the bank where a notary works asks for a notarization, but the notary only knows him from brief teller transactions. Can the notary rely on personal knowledge?

Answer: No, casual business interactions alone usually do not establish personal knowledge; ID should be requested

Brief, transactional contact does not create the reasonable certainty of identity that personal knowledge requires, so satisfactory ID should be requested.

Two credible witnesses who are unknown to the notary identify a signer. What must the notary do with the witnesses first?

Answer: Verify the witnesses' identities with satisfactory evidence and place them under oath

When witnesses are not personally known to the notary, the notary must first verify their identities and administer an oath before accepting their identification of the signer.

A signer hands the notary a document dated three years ago. What should the notary understand about the certificate date?

Answer: The notarial certificate must show the actual date of notarization, not the document's date

A notary must never backdate; the certificate reflects the true date the notarial act was performed even if the document is older.

A signer refuses to remove sunglasses and a hat, making photo comparison impossible. What is the notary's best response?

Answer: Politely ask them to remove the items; if identity cannot be verified, decline the notarization

If the notary cannot compare the signer's face to the ID photo, reasonable identification is impossible and the notarization should be declined.

Which element found on most acceptable IDs helps a notary confirm identity beyond the photograph?

Answer: A physical description and signature of the bearer

Physical descriptors such as height and eye color, along with the bearer's signature, give additional points of comparison against the person present.

A caller asks a notary to certify that a photocopy of a diploma is a 'true copy.' Before doing anything, the notary should first:

Answer: Determine whether copy certification is an authorized notarial act for that document in Mississippi

Notaries must confirm the requested act is one they are authorized to perform and that the document type qualifies before proceeding.

An ID presented to a notary lists an address different from the one written on the document. How should the notary treat this discrepancy?

Answer: An address difference alone does not defeat identification if the photo, name, and description match the signer

Identity verification centers on the person matching the ID's photo, name, and description; a differing address by itself is not disqualifying.