MS Notary Signer Identification Methods 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary method for identifying a document signer?
- Current government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
- A verbal statement of their name
- A business card with their name
- A signature comparison with a sample on file
Correct answer: Current government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport
The primary identification method is a current, government-issued photo ID that contains the signer's photograph, physical description, and signature.
Question 2: Can a notary identify a signer through personal knowledge?
- Yes, if the notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity through previous interactions (Correct answer)
- No, photo ID is always required without exception
- Only for family members
- Only for repeat customers
Correct answer: Yes, if the notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity through previous interactions
Many states allow notaries to identify signers through personal knowledge, meaning the notary personally knows the individual's identity based on prior familiarity.
Question 3: What is credible witness identification?
- A trusted third party personally known to both the notary and signer vouches for the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- A witness who watches the signing process
- A court-appointed identity verifier
- An online identity verification service
Correct answer: A trusted third party personally known to both the notary and signer vouches for the signer's identity
Credible witness identification allows one or two credible witnesses who personally know the signer to vouch for their identity when the signer lacks acceptable ID.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of identification for notarization?
- An expired government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A current state driver's license
- A valid US passport
- A current military ID card
Correct answer: An expired government-issued photo ID
Expired identification documents are generally not acceptable because they may no longer accurately represent the signer's current appearance or information.
Question 5: What should a notary do if they suspect a signer is using fraudulent identification?
- Refuse to perform the notarization and document the refusal (Correct answer)
- Complete the notarization but note concerns in the journal
- Contact the signer's bank to verify identity
- Accept the ID but add a disclaimer to the certificate
Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarization and document the refusal
If a notary suspects fraudulent identification, they must refuse to notarize. Proceeding despite suspicion could make the notary liable for facilitating fraud.
Question 6: Can a notary accept foreign identification documents?
- Yes, a valid foreign passport is generally acceptable identification (Correct answer)
- No, only US-issued documents are accepted
- Only if translated to English by a certified translator
- Only at international border crossing locations
Correct answer: Yes, a valid foreign passport is generally acceptable identification
Foreign passports are generally accepted as valid identification for notarization because they are government-issued photo IDs meeting the basic identification requirements.
MS Notary Signer Identification Methods 1
What is the primary method for identifying a document signer?