CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification

Question 1

Which of the following documents is an acceptable form of identification for a California notarization?

Accepted Answer

A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV

Answer

A current California driver's license or DMV-issued ID card is an acceptable form of identification for California notarizations.

Question 2

How old may an ID document be and still be acceptable for a California notarization?

Accepted Answer

It must be unexpired

Answer

California requires that identification documents used for notarization be current and not expired at the time of the notarial act.

Question 3

A signer wants to use a foreign passport to establish identity for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law

Answer

California law specifically lists current foreign passports as an acceptable form of identification for notarial acts.

Question 4

How many credible witnesses are needed to identify a signer in California when the signer is personally unknown to both the notary and the witnesses?

Accepted Answer

Two witnesses who personally know the signer and are known to the notary or present acceptable ID

Answer

When neither the notary nor the witnesses personally know the signer, two credible witnesses—who personally know the signer and present acceptable ID—are required.

Question 5

What makes someone a 'credible witness' for California notarial identity purposes?

Accepted Answer

A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity

Answer

A credible witness must personally know the signer, not be named in the document, not have a financial interest in the transaction, and swear an oath to the signer's identity.

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification