AZ Notary Identity Verification and Signer Authentication — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an acceptable primary identification document for a notary to verify a signer's identity in Arizona?
- A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
- A recent utility bill showing the signer's name and address
- A signed personal check with a matching signature
- An employer-issued employee badge with a photo
Correct answer: A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
Arizona law requires that a notary verify a signer's identity through satisfactory evidence, which means a current, government-issued photo identification document (such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport). Utility bills, checks, and employer badges are not government-issued photo IDs and do not meet the statutory standard.
Question 2: Under Arizona law, what is 'personal knowledge' as a basis for verifying a signer's identity?
- The notary has had dealings with the signer over time and can unambiguously identify the person (Correct answer)
- The notary has seen the signer's photo ID on a previous occasion
- The notary recognizes the signer's handwriting from prior documents
- The notary has a coworker who can vouch for the signer
Correct answer: The notary has had dealings with the signer over time and can unambiguously identify the person
Personal knowledge means the notary has an acquaintance with the signer based on interactions that make the notary unambiguously certain of the person's identity. Simply having seen an ID before, recognizing handwriting, or relying on a coworker's word does not satisfy the personal knowledge standard.
Question 3: When may an Arizona notary use a credible witness to verify a signer's identity?
- When the signer cannot produce satisfactory evidence of identity and the notary does not personally know the signer (Correct answer)
- Whenever the notary prefers not to inspect a physical ID document
- Only when the signer is physically disabled and cannot present an ID
- When the signer's ID is expired by no more than 30 days
Correct answer: When the signer cannot produce satisfactory evidence of identity and the notary does not personally know the signer
A credible witness is an alternative identity-verification method used when the signer lacks satisfactory evidence of identity and the notary does not personally know the signer. It is not a matter of notary preference, nor is it triggered solely by physical disability or a slightly expired ID.
Question 4: For an Arizona notary to use a credible witness, which of the following must be true?
- The credible witness must personally know the signer AND be personally known to the notary or present satisfactory evidence of identity to the notary (Correct answer)
- The credible witness only needs to state under oath that they know the signer
- The credible witness must be a licensed attorney or law enforcement officer
- The credible witness must be a co-signer on the document being notarized
Correct answer: The credible witness must personally know the signer AND be personally known to the notary or present satisfactory evidence of identity to the notary
Arizona requires that a credible witness both personally know the principal signer and either be personally known to the notary or present satisfactory evidence of identity to the notary. Simply taking an oath, holding a professional license, or being a co-signer on the document is not sufficient.
Question 5: Which document does NOT qualify as a government-issued photo ID for signer identification purposes in Arizona?
- A university student ID card issued by a state university (Correct answer)
- A current U.S. passport
- An Arizona driver's license
- A U.S. military identification card
Correct answer: A university student ID card issued by a state university
While a state university student ID is issued by a state institution, it is not a government-issued identification document in the statutory sense—it is not issued by a government agency for identity verification purposes. U.S. passports, state driver's licenses, and military IDs are all accepted government-issued photo IDs under Arizona notary law.
Question 6: A signer presents an Arizona driver's license that expired six months ago. What should the notary do?
- Decline to use the expired license as satisfactory evidence of identity and seek an alternative verification method (Correct answer)
- Accept the license because the photo and information are still accurate
- Accept the license if the signer signs an affidavit confirming the information is unchanged
- Accept the license because Arizona allows a 12-month grace period for expired IDs
Correct answer: Decline to use the expired license as satisfactory evidence of identity and seek an alternative verification method
Arizona requires that the government-issued photo ID be current (not expired) to constitute satisfactory evidence of identity. An expired license—regardless of how recently it expired—does not meet the standard. The notary must seek another acceptable ID or use the personal knowledge or credible witness alternatives.
AZ Notary Identity Verification and Signer Authentication
Which of the following is an acceptable primary identification document for a notary to verify a signer's identity in Arizona?