Notary Public Notary Public Signature & Identity Verification 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A signer presents a passport that expired 6 months ago as their identity document. What should the notary do?
- Accept it since the photo still matches
- Reject it and require a current, valid ID (Correct answer)
- Accept it only if the signer also provides a utility bill
- Accept it if a credible witness vouches for the signer
Correct answer: Reject it and require a current, valid ID
Notaries must require a current, valid (unexpired) government-issued ID to properly verify identity.
Question 2: Which situation best describes 'subscribing witness' acknowledgment?
- The signer signs in front of the notary and two witnesses
- A witness who watched the principal sign the document appears before the notary to verify the signing (Correct answer)
- The notary signs as a witness to the document
- Two notaries jointly certify the same document
Correct answer: A witness who watched the principal sign the document appears before the notary to verify the signing
A subscribing witness personally observed the principal sign and then appears before the notary to attest to that fact.
Question 3: A signer's legal name on their ID is 'Robert James Smith' but they want to sign the document as 'Bob Smith.' What is the correct notary action?
- Allow it since Bob is a common nickname for Robert
- Require the signer to sign exactly as their name appears in the document and matches their ID (Correct answer)
- Notarize using the nickname since it is the signer's preference
- Attach a separate affidavit explaining the name discrepancy
Correct answer: Require the signer to sign exactly as their name appears in the document and matches their ID
The signature on the document should match the name as it appears in the document, and the notary must be able to verify identity through the presented ID.
Question 4: What is a 'signature by mark' notarization used for?
- When a signer uses a rubber stamp signature
- When a signer who cannot write their name makes an X or other mark as their signature (Correct answer)
- When the notary signs on behalf of an absent signer
- When a corporate officer signs using a company seal
Correct answer: When a signer who cannot write their name makes an X or other mark as their signature
A signature by mark accommodates signers who are unable to write their full signature, such as those with physical disabilities or illiteracy.
Question 5: During a remote online notarization (RON), what technology requirement must be met for identity verification?
- A simple video call without recording
- Credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) of the signer (Correct answer)
- The signer must mail a copy of their ID beforehand
- Two notaries must be present on the call
Correct answer: Credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) of the signer
RON requires credential analysis of the ID document and knowledge-based authentication questions to verify the remote signer's identity.
Question 6: A notary is asked to notarize a document where the signer's name on the document is blank. What should the notary do?
- Fill in the name based on the ID presented
- Refuse to notarize until the document is properly completed (Correct answer)
- Notarize and note in the journal that the name was blank
- Sign and stamp the document with the signer's name written in the margin
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize until the document is properly completed
Notaries should not notarize incomplete documents; the signer's name must appear in the document before notarization.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of requiring the signer to personally appear before the notary?
- To allow the notary to charge a higher fee
- To enable the notary to verify identity and confirm the signing is voluntary and competent (Correct answer)
- To create a public record of all transactions
- To ensure the document is filed in the correct county
Correct answer: To enable the notary to verify identity and confirm the signing is voluntary and competent
Personal appearance allows the notary to verify identity firsthand and assess whether the signer is acting voluntarily and with full understanding.
Notary Public Notary Public Signature & Identity Verification 4
A signer presents a passport that expired 6 months ago as their identity document.
What should the notary do?