VA Notary Signer Identity Verification

Question 1

What is the primary duty of a Virginia notary when identifying a document signer?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the signer's identity through satisfactory evidence before performing the notarial act

Answer

Verify the document's legal accuracy

Answer

Check the signer's credit history

Answer

Verify the signer's marital status

Question 2

Which of the following is considered 'satisfactory evidence' of identity under Virginia law?

Accepted Answer

A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport

Answer

A utility bill in the signer's name

Answer

A business card

Answer

A voter registration card without a photo

Question 3

May a Virginia notary identify a signer through the oath of a credible identifying witness?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a credible witness known to the notary can vouch for an unidentified signer

Answer

No, only government IDs are accepted

Answer

Only for acknowledgments, not jurats

Answer

Only if two witnesses are present

Question 4

A Virginia notary personally knows the signer. Is additional identification required?

Accepted Answer

No — personal knowledge of the signer is satisfactory evidence of identity

Answer

Yes, a government ID is always required

Answer

Only if the document involves real estate

Answer

Only if the notary has not seen the signer in over one year

Question 5

What should a Virginia notary do if a signer's identification document has expired?

Accepted Answer

Decline to notarize unless another form of current satisfactory evidence is available

Answer

Accept it if the photo still looks like the signer

Answer

Accept it with a note in the journal

Answer

Call the DMV to verify the ID

Question 6

If a signer is unable to produce satisfactory identification and no credible witness is available, a Virginia notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse the notarization

Answer

Notarize anyway if the signer looks trustworthy

Answer

Accept any document the signer provides as a substitute

Answer

Contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth for guidance