Signer Identity Verification and Acknowledgments Flashcards

In Texas, an acknowledgment can be taken from a signer who:

Answer: Is present before the notary at the time of acknowledgment

For a traditional acknowledgment, the signer must appear before the notary in person at the time the acknowledgment is taken.

What does it mean for a notary to 'identify' a signer?

Answer: Establish who the signer is through acceptable evidence

Identifying a signer means establishing the signer's identity through personal knowledge, credible witnesses, or acceptable identification documents.

Which statement about acknowledgments vs. jurats in Texas is correct?

Answer: A jurat requires signing in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment does not

For a jurat, the signer must sign in the notary's presence and swear an oath, whereas an acknowledgment only requires the signer to appear and acknowledge the signature.

A Texas notary is asked to notarize a document for a person who does not speak English. The notary should:

Answer: Proceed only if the signer can communicate their acknowledgment somehow

The notary must be able to communicate with the signer sufficiently to confirm identity and willingness; an interpreter may help facilitate this.

A satisfactory identification document for Texas notarization must include:

Answer: A photo, physical description or signature, and serial number or ID number

Acceptable ID in Texas must contain a photo, physical description or signature, and a serial or ID number issued by a government entity.

A notary in Texas who personally knows the signer:

Answer: May identify the signer by personal knowledge alone

Texas law permits a notary to rely solely on personal knowledge to establish a signer's identity without requiring additional ID.