NJ Notary - New Jersey Notary Identifying Document Signers Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A signer appears before a New Jersey notary but does not have an acceptable form of identification. The signer's close friend is present and offers to vouch for the signer's identity. Under what specific condition may the notary use this friend as a 'credible witness'?
- The friend presents their own valid identification and signs an affidavit.
- The notary has personally known the friend for a significant period.
- The friend is a party to the document being notarized.
- The credible witness is personally known to both the notary and the signer. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The credible witness is personally known to both the notary and the signer.
According to the New Jersey Notary Public Manual, a credible witness may be used to identify a signer if that witness is personally known to both the notary public and the signer. This establishes a chain of trust, ensuring the integrity of the identification process.
Question 2: Which of the following is an unacceptable document for identifying a signer for a traditional, in-person notarization in New Jersey?
- A valid, state-issued driver's license with a photo.
- A U.S. Passport, current and unexpired.
- A Social Security card issued by the U.S. government. (Correct answer)
- A United States military identification card.
Correct answer: A Social Security card issued by the U.S. government.
While a Social Security card is a government-issued document, it is not an acceptable form of ID for notarization in New Jersey because it lacks a photograph and a physical description of the bearer, which are key requirements for identifying a signer. Acceptable IDs must provide a physical description.
Question 3: A New Jersey notary is performing a remote online notarization (RON). The notary does not personally know the signer. Which of the following identity verification methods is required?
- Oath or affirmation from a credible witness.
- Answering knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions only.
- Presenting a valid government-issued photo ID via webcam only.
- Using at least two different types of identity proofing. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Using at least two different types of identity proofing.
For a remote online notarization where the notary does not have personal knowledge of the signer, New Jersey law requires a multi-factor authentication process. This involves using at least two different types of identity proofing, which can include credential analysis of an ID, knowledge-based authentication (KBA), or biometric verification.
Question 4: A signer presents a valid New Jersey Driver's License as identification. The photo on the license is from ten years ago and the signer's appearance has changed significantly. How should the notary proceed?
- Reject the ID and refuse the notarization immediately.
- Ask the signer to provide an additional form of identification to support the primary ID. (Correct answer)
- Accept the ID without question as long as it is not expired.
- Notarize the document but make a note in the journal about the discrepancy.
Correct answer: Ask the signer to provide an additional form of identification to support the primary ID.
While the ID is valid, the notary has a duty to be satisfied with the identity of the signer. If the photo is not a reasonable likeness, the notary can and should request additional information or identification credentials to be certain of the individual's identity before proceeding with the notarial act.
Question 5: Under what circumstances is a New Jersey notary permitted to notarize a document for a signer without requiring any form of documentary identification?
- When the signer is an immediate family member.
- When the transaction is for less than $100.
- When the notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity. (Correct answer)
- When the signer provides a certified copy of their birth certificate.
Correct answer: When the notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity.
The New Jersey Notary Public Manual explicitly states that identification documents are not required if the signer is personally known to the Notary. 'Personal knowledge' means the notary has a history of dealings with the individual sufficient to provide reasonable certainty of their identity.
Question 6: When a credible witness is used to identify a signer, what information regarding the witness must the New Jersey notary record in their journal?
- The witness's occupation and employer.
- The witness's signature, printed name, and address. (Correct answer)
- The witness's relationship to the signer.
- The witness's date of birth and Social Security Number.
Correct answer: The witness's signature, printed name, and address.
The New Jersey Notary Public Manual requires that for each notarial act, the journal entry must include the signature, printed name, and address of each signer, and if applicable, each witness. This creates a clear and complete record of who identified the signer.
NJ Notary - New Jersey Notary Identifying Document Signers Questions and Answers 1
A signer appears before a New Jersey notary but does not have an acceptable form of identification.
The signer's close friend is present and offers to vouch for the signer's identity.
Under what specific condition may the notary use this friend as a 'credible witness'?