TX NNJE Signer Identification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which primary form of ID is acceptable for identifying a signer during a Texas notarial act?
- A library card with a photo
- A current state-issued driver's license with a photograph (Correct answer)
- A voter registration card without a photo
- An expired passport
Correct answer: A current state-issued driver's license with a photograph
A current, government-issued photo ID such as a state driver's license is the standard acceptable form of identification for Texas notarizations.
Question 2: Under Texas notarial law, which identification method allows a credible identifying witness to vouch for a signer who lacks ID?
- Self-identification by the signer's sworn oath alone
- A personally known credible witness who swears to the signer's identity before the notary (Correct answer)
- An employer letter confirming the signer's identity
- A credit card with the signer's name
Correct answer: A personally known credible witness who swears to the signer's identity before the notary
Texas allows a credible identifying witness who personally knows the signer to appear before the notary and swear to the signer's identity.
Question 3: What information from a signer's ID must be recorded in the Texas notary journal?
- The full ID number and expiration date
- The type of ID and enough information to identify it (e.g., issuing agency, ID type) (Correct answer)
- The signer's full Social Security Number
- A photocopy of the ID
Correct answer: The type of ID and enough information to identify it (e.g., issuing agency, ID type)
Best practice requires recording the type of ID used and sufficient details to identify it, without including unnecessarily sensitive data like full ID numbers.
Question 4: A signer presents an ID that expired six months ago. What should a Texas notary do?
- Accept it if the photo matches the signer
- Refuse to notarize until current, valid ID is presented (Correct answer)
- Accept it if the signer signs an affidavit confirming their identity
- Contact the Secretary of State for guidance
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize until current, valid ID is presented
An expired ID is not acceptable for Texas notarization; the notary must require a current, valid form of identification.
Question 5: When a Texas notary personally knows the signer, how should identification be recorded in the journal?
- No ID entry is needed for personally known signers
- Note that the signer was personally known to the notary (Correct answer)
- List the signer's driver's license number from memory
- Leave the ID field blank
Correct answer: Note that the signer was personally known to the notary
When the signer is personally known, the journal entry should state this fact as the method of identification used.
Question 6: Which of the following documents qualifies as an acceptable government-issued photo ID for Texas notarizations?
- An expired military ID
- A current U.S. passport (Correct answer)
- A work permit without a photo
- A Social Security card
Correct answer: A current U.S. passport
A current U.S. passport is a valid government-issued photo ID accepted for Texas notarization purposes.
TX NNJE Signer Identification 1
Which primary form of ID is acceptable for identifying a signer during a Texas notarial act?