RI Notary Identification and Verification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which combination of features makes an identification document generally acceptable for notarization?
- Photograph, physical description or signature, and issuance by a government authority (Correct answer)
- Full name, home address, and phone number
- Photograph and the signer's employer name
- Signature and date of birth on a laminated card from any issuer
Correct answer: Photograph, physical description or signature, and issuance by a government authority
Acceptable IDs are typically current, government-issued, and contain a photograph and signature or physical description.
Question 2: A regular client whom the notary has known personally for ten years asks for a notarization but forgot their wallet. May the notary proceed?
- No, an ID card is always mandatory
- Yes, personal knowledge of the signer can satisfy identification requirements (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only if the client returns with ID within 24 hours
- No, unless a second notary is present
Correct answer: Yes, personal knowledge of the signer can satisfy identification requirements
Personal knowledge acquired through long-term acquaintance is a legally recognized method of identifying a signer.
Question 3: Before relying on a credible witness, the notary should typically require the witness to:
- Pay a separate notarial fee
- Take an oath or affirmation regarding the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Present the signer's birth certificate
- Co-sign the underlying document
Correct answer: Take an oath or affirmation regarding the signer's identity
The credible witness must swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the signer is the person named in the document.
Question 4: A foreign national with no U.S. identification asks for a notarization. Which document is most likely acceptable?
- A current foreign passport (Correct answer)
- A foreign library membership card
- An international driver's study permit without a photo
- A photocopy of a national ID card
Correct answer: A current foreign passport
A current passport issued by a foreign government is widely accepted as satisfactory identification.
Question 5: What should a notary examine when inspecting an identification card for authenticity?
- Only the name on the card
- The photo, expiration date, signature, and signs of tampering (Correct answer)
- The card's magnetic stripe data
- The issuing office's phone number
Correct answer: The photo, expiration date, signature, and signs of tampering
A careful inspection compares the photo and signature to the person and checks currency and evidence of alteration.
Question 6: A document sender emails the notary saying, 'I vouch for the signer's identity, just notarize it.' The signer is a stranger with no ID. The notary should:
- Proceed because the sender accepted responsibility
- Refuse; identity must be verified by the notary through legally acceptable means (Correct answer)
- Proceed if the sender is an attorney
- Proceed after photographing the signer
Correct answer: Refuse; identity must be verified by the notary through legally acceptable means
Only personal knowledge, satisfactory ID, or a properly sworn credible witness can establish identity, not a third party's email.
Question 7: Why is verifying the signer's identity at the time of notarization, rather than beforehand by phone, essential?
- Phone verification costs more
- The notary must confirm the person physically appearing is the individual named in the document (Correct answer)
- State law requires two verifications
- Documents expire if verified early
Correct answer: The notary must confirm the person physically appearing is the individual named in the document
Identification must occur during the signer's personal appearance so the notary confirms the actual person present.
RI Notary Identification and Verification 3
Which combination of features makes an identification document generally acceptable for notarization?