Notary Public Notary Public Signature & Identity Verification 1

Question 1

Which document is generally considered the most reliable primary identification for a notarization?

Accepted Answer

State-issued driver's license or ID card with photo

Answer

Social Security card

Answer

A credit card bearing the signer's signature

Answer

A utility bill showing the signer's current address

Question 2

What is a 'credible witness' in the context of notarial identity verification?

Accepted Answer

A person who vouches under oath for a signer's identity when the signer lacks acceptable ID

Answer

An expert witness called in a legal proceeding

Answer

A notary's personal character reference

Answer

A professional document authenticator

Question 3

What should a notary do if a signer's current appearance differs significantly from their ID photo?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize or request additional identification to confirm identity

Answer

Accept the ID and proceed if the name matches

Answer

Ask the signer to provide a written explanation of the difference

Answer

Contact the issuing agency to verify the ID

Question 4

Which of the following is generally NOT acceptable as sole identification for notarization?

Accepted Answer

Social Security card

Answer

U.S. passport

Answer

State-issued driver's license

Answer

Military ID card

Question 5

What does 'satisfactory evidence of identity' mean for a notary?

Accepted Answer

Reliable identification that reasonably confirms the signer is who they claim to be

Answer

Any document bearing the signer's printed name

Answer

A sworn written statement submitted by the signer

Answer

A recent background check report

Question 6

How many credible witnesses are typically required under most state laws to identify a signer who has no acceptable ID?

Accepted Answer

Either one witness personally known to the notary, or two witnesses who identify themselves with acceptable ID

Answer

One witness personally known to both the signer and the notary

Answer

Three witnesses each presenting government-issued ID

Answer

No witnesses — the notary's personal assessment alone is sufficient