WA Notary Identification and Credible Witnesses 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary method a Washington notary uses to verify a signer's identity?
- Accepting the signer's verbal assurance
- Examining satisfactory evidence of identity such as a government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- Contacting the document's issuing agency
- Checking public records online
Correct answer: Examining satisfactory evidence of identity such as a government-issued photo ID
Washington notaries must verify identity through satisfactory evidence, which typically includes a current government-issued photo ID.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered satisfactory evidence of identity for a Washington notary?
- A library card with a photo
- A current passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A credit card with the signer's name
- A utility bill with the signer's address
Correct answer: A current passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID
Satisfactory evidence of identity in Washington includes current government-issued photo IDs such as passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards.
Question 3: What should a Washington notary do if a signer cannot provide a satisfactory ID?
- Accept any card with the signer's name
- Use a credible witness or another approved identification method (Correct answer)
- Proceed based on their personal knowledge of the signer
- Call the Secretary of State for guidance
Correct answer: Use a credible witness or another approved identification method
If a signer lacks satisfactory ID, a Washington notary may use a credible witness who personally knows the signer to vouch for their identity.
Question 4: In Washington, how many credible witnesses are needed to identify a signer who lacks a government-issued ID?
- One credible witness who personally knows the signer and the notary (Correct answer)
- Two credible witnesses who personally know the signer
- One credible witness who knows the signer
- Three credible witnesses
Correct answer: One credible witness who personally knows the signer and the notary
Washington allows one credible witness who personally knows both the signer and the notary to identify the signer.
Question 5: Can a Washington notary accept an expired driver's license as satisfactory identification?
- Yes, any government ID is acceptable
- No, the identification document must be current (not expired) (Correct answer)
- Yes, if it expired within the past year
- Yes, if accompanied by a second expired ID
Correct answer: No, the identification document must be current (not expired)
Expired identification is not considered satisfactory evidence in Washington; the ID must be current and valid.
Question 6: Can a Washington notary rely on personal knowledge to identify a signer instead of checking an ID?
- No, an ID must always be checked
- Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable basis for identification (Correct answer)
- Only for family members
- Only if the notary has known the person for at least 5 years
Correct answer: Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable basis for identification
Washington law recognizes personal knowledge of the signer as a valid alternative basis for identification.
WA Notary Identification and Credible Witnesses 1
What is the primary method a Washington notary uses to verify a signer's identity?