Identification and Credible Witnesses Flashcards

What qualifications must a credible witness meet in Washington to identify a signer?

Answer: Must personally know the signer, be personally known to the notary, and have no financial interest in the document

A Washington credible witness must personally know the signer, be known to the notary, and have no interest in the document being notarized.

Can the signer's spouse serve as a credible witness in Washington?

Answer: No, a spouse typically has a financial interest in the document and is disqualified

A spouse is generally disqualified as a credible witness because they often have a financial interest in the document being notarized.

What must a Washington notary do after relying on a credible witness to identify a signer?

Answer: Record the credible witness's name and ID information in the notary journal

The notary should record the credible witness's name and identifying information in the notary journal when using this identification method.

Which of the following IDs would a Washington notary NOT accept as satisfactory evidence of identity?

Answer: A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address

A utility bill is not a government-issued photo ID and does not meet the standard for satisfactory identification in Washington.

A signer presents a foreign passport to a Washington notary. Is this acceptable identification?

Answer: Yes, a current foreign passport is acceptable satisfactory evidence of identity

A current foreign passport is generally considered satisfactory evidence of identity in Washington, as it is a government-issued photo ID.

What should a Washington notary do if they suspect a signer's ID is fraudulent?

Answer: Refuse to notarize and do not retain the ID

If a notary suspects an ID is fraudulent, they should refuse to perform the notarial act; they should not detain the person or confiscate the ID.