DC Notary DC Notary Signer Identification and Acknowledgment Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which form of identification is acceptable for a signer appearing before a DC notary?
- A library card
- A current state-issued driver's license with photo (Correct answer)
- A utility bill
- A Social Security card
Correct answer: A current state-issued driver's license with photo
A current government-issued photo ID such as a state driver's license is an acceptable form of identification for a signer.
Question 2: What must a DC notary do before completing an acknowledgment?
- Notarize the document remotely
- Verify the signer's identity and confirm the signature is voluntary (Correct answer)
- Sign the document on behalf of the signer
- File the document with the DC Recorder of Deeds
Correct answer: Verify the signer's identity and confirm the signature is voluntary
Before completing an acknowledgment, the notary must verify the signer's identity and confirm the act is voluntary.
Question 3: If a signer is unable to produce acceptable ID, how may a DC notary establish identity?
- By accepting a photocopy of an expired license
- Through credible identifying witnesses who personally know the signer (Correct answer)
- By calling the signer's employer
- By reviewing the signer's credit report
Correct answer: Through credible identifying witnesses who personally know the signer
A DC notary may use credible identifying witnesses who personally know the signer and can attest to their identity.
Question 4: What does an acknowledgment confirm in DC notarial practice?
- That the document is legally binding in all 50 states
- That the signer voluntarily executed the document (Correct answer)
- That the notary witnessed the signing under oath
- That the document was filed with DC courts
Correct answer: That the signer voluntarily executed the document
An acknowledgment confirms that the signer voluntarily appeared and acknowledged executing the document.
Question 5: A credible identifying witness used by a DC notary must:
- Be related to the signer
- Be personally known to the notary or provide acceptable ID (Correct answer)
- Be a licensed attorney
- Submit a sworn affidavit to the DC Mayor's office
Correct answer: Be personally known to the notary or provide acceptable ID
A credible identifying witness must be personally known to the notary or present acceptable identification.
Question 6: When notarizing for a signer who does not speak English, a DC notary must:
- Refuse to perform the notarization
- Ensure communication is effective, using an interpreter if needed (Correct answer)
- Proceed without interpretation
- Require a bilingual document
Correct answer: Ensure communication is effective, using an interpreter if needed
The notary must ensure the signer understands the notarial act, which may require a qualified interpreter.
DC Notary DC Notary Signer Identification and Acknowledgment Procedures 1
Which form of identification is acceptable for a signer appearing before a DC notary?