NSA NSA - Notary Signing Agent Signer Identification and Verification Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which form of identification is generally acceptable for verifying a signer's identity at a loan signing?
- A current government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A utility bill with the signer's name
- A Social Security card
- An employer ID badge
Correct answer: A current government-issued photo ID
A current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is the standard acceptable form of identification for a notary signing agent.
Question 2: What should an NSA do if a signer's name on the ID does not exactly match the name on the loan documents?
- Refuse to proceed with the signing
- Proceed only if the discrepancy is minor and the signer can be reasonably identified (Correct answer)
- White out the discrepancy on the documents
- Call the lender immediately and cancel the appointment
Correct answer: Proceed only if the discrepancy is minor and the signer can be reasonably identified
Minor name discrepancies (such as a middle name versus middle initial) may be acceptable if the signer can still be reasonably identified, but the NSA should note the discrepancy and contact the hiring company if uncertain.
Question 3: An expired driver's license is presented by a signer at a loan closing. What should the NSA do?
- Accept it since the photo is still valid
- Ask for a second form of ID to supplement it
- Refuse to notarize and request a valid ID (Correct answer)
- Proceed and note the expiration in the journal
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and request a valid ID
An expired ID does not satisfy the requirement for a current, valid government-issued photo ID, so the NSA should refuse to notarize until a valid ID is presented.
Question 4: Which personal knowledge standard may allow a notary to identify a signer without ID in some states?
- The notary personally knows the signer (Correct answer)
- The signer provides a utility bill
- Two witnesses vouch for the signer
- The lender pre-approves the signer
Correct answer: The notary personally knows the signer
Some state laws allow a notary to notarize based on personal knowledge of the signer if the notary knows the individual well enough to confirm their identity.
Question 5: What is the purpose of recording identification information in the notary journal?
- To create a legal record that supports the notarization and provides protection if the signing is later challenged (Correct answer)
- To share with the title company for their records
- To comply with federal mortgage lending laws
- To allow the lender to verify the signer's credit history
Correct answer: To create a legal record that supports the notarization and provides protection if the signing is later challenged
Recording ID details in the notary journal creates an official, verifiable record that can protect the NSA and support the validity of the notarization if ever questioned.
Question 6: A signer presents a foreign passport as identification. Is this generally acceptable for a loan signing notarization?
- Yes, a foreign passport is a valid government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- No, only US-issued documents are acceptable
- Only if accompanied by a green card or visa
- Only if the lender pre-approves the foreign ID
Correct answer: Yes, a foreign passport is a valid government-issued photo ID
A foreign passport is a government-issued photo ID and is generally acceptable for notarization in most US states, though the NSA should check state-specific requirements.
NSA NSA - Notary Signing Agent Signer Identification and Verification Questions and Answers 1
Which form of identification is generally acceptable for verifying a signer's identity at a loan signing?