Identification and Verification Flashcards
7 cards from real WV NOTARY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Identification and Verification flashcards as text
A signer presents a temporary paper driver's license with no photograph. What is the notary's soundest response?
Answer: Request additional identification, since the credential lacks a photograph and may not assure identity
A credential without a photograph or signature may not satisfy the identification standard, so the notary should require further evidence.
Two people arrive to sign the same deed. The notary knows one personally; the other is a stranger with a valid ID. How should identification be handled?
Answer: Identify each signer independently, using personal knowledge for one and the ID for the other
Each individual whose signature is notarized must be separately identified by a lawful method appropriate to that person.
A signer becomes angry when the notary asks for identification, insisting his signature is 'well known in town.' What should the notary do?
Answer: Politely decline to proceed until satisfactory evidence of identity is provided
Local reputation is not a statutory identification method, so the notary must obtain satisfactory evidence or refuse the notarization.
Which situation would justify a West Virginia notary refusing to notarize even though a valid-looking ID was presented?
Answer: The photo and physical description on the ID clearly do not match the person presenting it
If the credential does not reasonably correspond to the person presenting it, the notary lacks satisfactory evidence of identity and must refuse.
A West Virginia notary is asked to notarize for a non-English-speaking signer whose foreign ID the notary cannot read. What is the best practice?
Answer: Only proceed if the notary can reasonably verify the credential and communicate directly with the signer
The notary must be able to evaluate the identification and communicate with the signer to confirm identity and willingness, without relying solely on an interested translator.
How does verifying identity for an oath or affirmation differ from verifying identity for an acknowledgment in West Virginia?
Answer: It does not differ; the same satisfactory-evidence standard applies to both acts
West Virginia applies the same identification standard of personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence to all notarial acts requiring identification.
A signer offers a state-issued concealed carry permit containing his photograph and signature, current and valid. Under West Virginia's standard, this credential is best described as what?
Answer: Potentially acceptable, since it is government-issued, current, and bears a photograph and signature
West Virginia's standard turns on government issuance, currency, and a photograph or signature, criteria a state permit with photo and signature can meet.