NYS NYS Notary Signer Identification and Verification 2

Question 1

What is a 'credible witness' in New York notarial practice?

Accepted Answer

A person personally known to the notary who vouches for the signer's identity

Answer

A licensed attorney who reviews the document

Answer

A court-appointed guardian ad litem

Answer

A co-signer on the document

Question 2

Can a family member of the signer serve as a credible identifying witness in New York?

Accepted Answer

It depends — the notary must exercise judgment, as family members may have a bias

Answer

Yes, any adult family member qualifies automatically

Answer

No, family members are always disqualified

Answer

Only if the family member is also a notary public

Question 3

A signer presents an out-of-state driver's license to a New York notary. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Accept it if it appears current, genuine, and bears a photo

Answer

Refuse, because only New York IDs are acceptable

Answer

Require a second form of ID automatically

Answer

Forward the ID information to the DMV for verification

Question 4

Why is personal knowledge of a signer considered valid for New York notarization purposes?

Accepted Answer

Because the notary can attest from their own experience that the person is who they claim to be

Answer

Because the notary's oath of office covers all identity representations

Answer

Because personal knowledge eliminates the need for any certificate

Answer

Because New York law prohibits documentary ID requirements

Question 5

What should a New York notary record in their notary journal regarding signer identification?

Accepted Answer

The type of ID presented, the ID number, and how identity was verified

Answer

Nothing — journals are not required in New York

Answer

Only the signer's name and address

Answer

The notary's assessment of the signer's honesty

Question 6

A signer claims to be an attorney and says their bar card proves identity. How should a New York notary respond?

Accepted Answer

Use the bar card as supplemental identification combined with another form of ID

Answer

Accept the bar card as primary ID because attorneys are officers of the court

Answer

Refuse unless a government-issued photo ID is also presented

Answer

Call the New York State Bar to confirm membership