Identification and Credible Witnesses Flashcards

A signer presents a Washington State ID card (non-driver) to a notary. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Yes, a state-issued ID card is satisfactory evidence of identity

A state-issued ID card is a government-issued photo ID and constitutes satisfactory evidence of identity for Washington notarizations.

What standard of care applies when a Washington notary reviews a signer's identification?

Answer: The notary must exercise reasonable care in reviewing the identification

Washington notaries are held to a reasonable care standard when reviewing identification — they are not expected to be document forensic experts.

Can a Washington notary use two credible witnesses instead of one to identify a signer?

Answer: Yes, two credible witnesses may be used if neither knows both the signer and the notary

Washington allows two credible witnesses who personally know the signer but are not necessarily known to the notary as an alternative identification method.

What information should a Washington notary record about the signer's ID in the notary journal?

Answer: The type of ID, the ID number, and the expiration date

Best practice and some state requirements call for recording the type of ID, its number, and expiration date to create a complete audit trail.

If a signer's name on their ID does not exactly match the name on the document, what should a Washington notary do?

Answer: Use judgment to determine if the difference is minor and explainable, then proceed with a notation if appropriate

Minor name discrepancies (e.g., middle name versus middle initial) can be addressed with careful judgment and a notation; significant differences may require the document to be corrected.

Can a Washington notary photograph or photocopy a signer's ID as part of their record-keeping?

Answer: Yes, Washington permits notaries to retain copies of ID if allowed by their practices and applicable law

While not required, Washington notaries may retain copies of identification documents in accordance with applicable privacy laws and best practices.