RI Notary Identification and Verification 2

Question 1

Under Rhode Island law, which of the following is an acceptable method for a notary to identify a signer?

Accepted Answer

Personal knowledge of the individual

Answer

Rhode Island permits identification through personal knowledge, satisfactory identification documents, or a credible witness.

Question 2

A signer presents a driver's license that expired two years ago. What should a Rhode Island notary generally do?

Accepted Answer

Decline it and request current, valid identification

Answer

An expired identification document is generally not satisfactory evidence of identity, so the notary should request current, valid ID.

Question 3

What is a 'credible witness' in the context of notarial identification?

Accepted Answer

A person known to the notary who verifies the signer's identity

Answer

A credible witness is an individual, personally known to the notary, who swears to or affirms the identity of the signer.

Question 4

Which document would generally NOT qualify as satisfactory identification for notarization in Rhode Island?

Accepted Answer

A Social Security card

Answer

A Social Security card lacks a photograph, physical description, and signature, so it is not satisfactory identification on its own.

Question 5

A signer's name on the document reads 'Jonathan A. Smith,' but his ID reads 'Jon Smith.' What is the notary's best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Proceed only if the notary can reasonably verify the signer's identity, or request additional acceptable proof

Answer

The notary must be reasonably certain of identity, which may require additional identification or a credible witness before proceeding.

(RI Notary) Rhode Island Notary Exam Practice Test