MS Notary Document and Identification Verification 5

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A physical description and signature of the bearer

Answer

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

(MS Notary) Mississippi Notary Exam Practice Test

(MS Notary) Mississippi Notary Exam Practice Test

MS Notary Document and Identification Verification 5