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 credible witness is someone the notary personally knows who can vouch under oath for the identity of a signer who lacks acceptable ID.

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

New York law does not automatically disqualify family members, but a notary should use caution due to potential bias.

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

A current, genuine out-of-state driver's license is an acceptable government-issued photo ID for New York notarizations.

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

Personal knowledge is trusted because the notary is personally vouching for identity based on direct acquaintance with the signer.

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

Best practice and risk management require recording the ID type, number, and method of verification in the notary's journal.

NYS - New York State Notary Exam Practice Test