Properly Identifying Signers Flashcards

A signer's driver's license reads "Maria Elena Lopez Garcia." Which signature name may the notary generally accept on the document?

Answer: Maria Lopez Garcia

A signer may use a shorter version of the name on the ID, but not a name that does not appear on it.

Which feature is generally NOT required for an ID card to be considered satisfactory evidence of identity?

Answer: A home mailing address

Acceptable IDs typically need a photo, physical description, signature, and serial number from a government issuer, while an address is not a core requirement.

A signer presents a clear color photocopy of their passport because the original is at the embassy. What should the notary do?

Answer: Refuse to accept the photocopy as identification

Copies of ID can easily be altered and are not acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity.

Which of the following is generally an acceptable form of identification for a notarization?

Answer: A current U.S. military ID card

A military ID is government-issued with a photo and signature, unlike Social Security cards, birth certificates, or credit cards.

When using a credible identifying witness, what relationship is generally required?

Answer: The witness personally knows the signer, and the notary knows or identifies the witness

A credible witness bridges the gap by personally knowing the signer while being known to, or properly identified by, the notary.

Which person would be disqualified from serving as a credible identifying witness?

Answer: The grantee who will receive property under the deed

A credible witness must be impartial and cannot have a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.

After identifying a signer by driver's license, what ID details should the notary record in the journal?

Answer: ID type, issuing agency, serial number, and issue/expiration dates

Recording the ID type, issuer, number, and dates creates a record proving how identity was established.