FREE NM NOTARY Proper Identification and Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A signer appears before a New Mexico notary with a document to be notarized. The signer presents a valid U.S. Passport as identification, but their physical appearance has changed significantly since the passport photo was taken. What is the notary's most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with the notarization only if the signer can satisfactorily explain the difference in appearance and the notary is convinced of their identity.

Answer

While a valid U.S. Passport is an acceptable form of ID, the notary has a duty to be satisfied with the identity of the person appearing before them. If there is a significant discrepancy between the photo and the signer's current appearance, the notary must take additional steps to confirm identity or refuse the service if they are not satisfied. The ultimate responsibility rests with the notary to be certain of the signer's identity.

Question 2

Under New Mexico law, which of the following is an essential requirement for an individual to serve as a credible witness for identification purposes?

Accepted Answer

The credible witness must be personally known to the notary public.

Answer

New Mexico statute (NMSA 14-14A-2) defines one method of providing satisfactory evidence of identity as the oath or affirmation of a credible witness. A key requirement for a witness to be considered 'credible' is that they are personally known by the notary performing the notarization, in addition to personally knowing the signer.

Question 3

A person comes to a New Mexico notary and has no acceptable form of identification. They state they can bring in a friend to act as a credible witness. The notary does not personally know this friend. What must the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to use the friend as a credible witness because the notary does not personally know them.

Answer

A fundamental rule for using a credible witness in New Mexico is that the witness must be personally known to the notary. If the notary does not have a preexisting relationship and familiarity with the proposed witness, they cannot use that person to identify the signer. The notary must refuse the notarization until proper identification can be established.

Question 4

When a New Mexico notary identifies a signer using an identification document, which of the following is a mandatory characteristic of that document?

Accepted Answer

It must be a current, unexpired, government-issued document.

Answer

According to New Mexico law, satisfactory evidence of identity via an ID card requires a document that is current (not expired), issued by a federal or state government, and contains both a photographic image of the individual's face and the individual's signature. It does not have to be issued by New Mexico.

Question 5

A long-time client, whom the notary has known and done business with for over 15 years, requests a notarization but has forgotten their wallet and has no ID. How may the New Mexico notary properly identify this individual?

Accepted Answer

By using 'personal knowledge' of the individual's identity.

Answer

New Mexico law explicitly allows a notary to identify a signer through 'personal knowledge'. Personal knowledge is a familiarity with an individual resulting from interactions over time that would leave a reasonable person with a firm belief that the individual has the identity they claim. Given the long-standing relationship, this is an acceptable method of identification.

(NM Notary) New Mexico Notary Exam Practice Test

(NM Notary) New Mexico Notary Exam Practice Test

FREE NM NOTARY Proper Identification and Procedures Questions and Answers