NV Notary Proper Signer Identification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A signer's name on the document is 'Jonathan A. Smith' but the ID reads 'Jon Smith.' What is the safest practice for the Nevada notary?
- Ensure the ID reasonably proves the signer is the person named in the document before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Notarize anyway because the last names match
- Alter the document name to match the ID
- Have the signer initial the difference and proceed without further proof
Correct answer: Ensure the ID reasonably proves the signer is the person named in the document before proceeding
The notary must be satisfied the person before them is the person named in the document, so the identification should reasonably support the document name.
Question 2: Which combination properly identifies a signer who has no ID and is unknown to the Nevada notary?
- The oath of a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is known to or identified by the notary (Correct answer)
- A photocopy of an old license plus a utility bill
- Two neighbors who vouch verbally without an oath
- The signer's own sworn statement of identity
Correct answer: The oath of a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is known to or identified by the notary
When documents are unavailable, a credible witness under oath who knows the signer and is verified by the notary may establish identity.
Question 3: A Nevada notary's spouse asks the notary to notarize a deed the spouse is signing. What identification issue arises?
- None regarding identity, but the notarization is prohibited because the spouse is a disqualified party (Correct answer)
- The spouse must still show a driver's license
- The spouse needs a credible witness
- The notary may proceed since personal knowledge is strongest with family
Correct answer: None regarding identity, but the notarization is prohibited because the spouse is a disqualified party
Nevada prohibits notarizing for one's spouse or certain relatives and interested parties, so the act is barred regardless of how well identity is known.
Question 4: What must a credible witness do before the notary may rely on their identification of a signer?
- Take an oath or affirmation attesting to the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Sign the document as a co-signer
- Provide a written resume
- Pay a witness fee to the notary
Correct answer: Take an oath or affirmation attesting to the signer's identity
The credible witness must swear or affirm to the notary that the signer is the person named in the document.
Question 5: A remote acquaintance the notary met twice at church offers to serve as a credible witness but has no ID. May the notary use this witness?
- No, because the witness is neither personally known to the notary nor able to present satisfactory identification (Correct answer)
- Yes, brief acquaintance is sufficient
- Yes, if the witness signs the journal
- Yes, if the signer confirms the witness's identity
Correct answer: No, because the witness is neither personally known to the notary nor able to present satisfactory identification
A credible witness must be personally known to the notary or properly identified with documents, and casual acquaintance meets neither standard.
Question 6: Which detail should a Nevada notary record in the journal about the method of identification?
- A description of the evidence used to verify identity, such as the type of ID or credible witness (Correct answer)
- Only the signer's phone number
- The signer's Social Security number
- Nothing, since identification is not journaled
Correct answer: A description of the evidence used to verify identity, such as the type of ID or credible witness
The journal must describe how the signer was identified, such as the identification document or the use of personal knowledge or a credible witness.
Question 7: A signer presents a current U.S. military ID card. How should the Nevada notary treat it?
- Accept it as satisfactory evidence of identity (Correct answer)
- Reject it because it is federal, not state, issued
- Accept it only with a second form of ID
- Accept it only for military-related documents
Correct answer: Accept it as satisfactory evidence of identity
A current United States military identification card is an acceptable form of identification under Nevada law.
NV Notary Proper Signer Identification 3
A signer's name on the document is 'Jonathan A.
Smith' but the ID reads 'Jon Smith.' What is the safest practice for the Nevada notary?