PA Notary Identifying Signers

Question 1

What is the primary and most common method for a Pennsylvania notary to obtain satisfactory evidence of a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

Verification of a government-issued identification credential

Answer

Under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), while personal knowledge and credible witnesses are permitted, the most standard, objective, and commonly used method is verification of a current, government-issued identification credential containing a photograph and signature.

Question 2

When can a Pennsylvania notary use 'personal knowledge' to identify a signer?

Accepted Answer

If the notary has a sufficient acquaintance with the individual to be certain of their identity.

Answer

Personal knowledge is defined as having an acquaintance, derived from association with the individual over time, which establishes the individual's identity with at least a reasonable certainty. A single meeting or brief interaction is insufficient.

Question 3

A signer appears before you without an acceptable ID. Which of the following is a valid option for the notary to proceed with the notarization?

Accepted Answer

Use a credible witness who can swear to the signer's identity.

Answer

If a signer lacks an acceptable ID, Pennsylvania law allows for the use of a credible witness. The witness must personally know the signer and either be personally known to the notary or present their own valid government-issued ID to the notary.

Question 4

Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a notarial act in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

A valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign government.

Answer

Acceptable ID must be current (not expired), issued by a federal or state government agency, and contain the individual's photograph and signature. A foreign passport meets these criteria. Student IDs and credit cards are not government-issued, and a birth certificate lacks a photograph.

Question 5

What are the requirements for a person to serve as a credible witness in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The witness must personally know the signer and be identified by the notary.

Answer

A credible witness must personally know the signer. The notary, in turn, must identify the credible witness through either personal knowledge or a valid government-issued ID presented by the witness.

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary Identifying Signers