NH Notary NH Notary Signer Identification Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method of identifying a signer is acceptable under NH RSA 456-B?
- Personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence through ID documents, or credible witness (Correct answer)
- Only a government-issued photo ID
- Only personal knowledge of the signer
- Any document with the signer's name on it
Correct answer: Personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence through ID documents, or credible witness
NH law allows identification by personal knowledge, by satisfactory evidence such as a government-issued photo ID, or through a credible witness.
Question 2: What qualifies as 'satisfactory evidence' of identity for NH notarial purposes?
- A current government-issued ID with a photo and signature, such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
- Any document bearing the individual's name
- A credit card with the signer's name
- A utility bill showing the signer's address
Correct answer: A current government-issued ID with a photo and signature, such as a driver's license or passport
Satisfactory evidence means a current ID issued by a government entity containing the individual's photo and signature.
Question 3: A NH notary does not personally know the signer and the signer has no acceptable ID. What option remains?
- A credible witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary (Correct answer)
- Any two witnesses who claim to know the signer
- The signer's employer vouching for identity
- A bank statement bearing the signer's name
Correct answer: A credible witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary
When direct identification methods fail, a credible witness who is personally known to the notary and who personally knows the signer may vouch for identity.
Question 4: Can a NH notary accept an expired driver's license as satisfactory evidence of identity?
- No, the ID must be current (not expired) (Correct answer)
- Yes, as long as the photo still resembles the signer
- Yes, if it expired within the last 6 months
- Yes, if accompanied by a credit card
Correct answer: No, the ID must be current (not expired)
Satisfactory evidence requires a current government-issued ID; an expired license does not meet this standard.
Question 5: If a NH notary personally knows the signer, must the signer still present photo ID?
- No, personal knowledge alone is sufficient identification (Correct answer)
- Yes, photo ID is always required regardless of personal knowledge
- Only if the document involves real estate
- Only for notarizations exceeding $10,000 in value
Correct answer: No, personal knowledge alone is sufficient identification
Personal knowledge of the signer is an independent and complete basis for identification; no additional ID is required.
Question 6: A foreign national presents a passport from their home country to a NH notary. Is this acceptable identification?
- Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- No, only U.S. government-issued IDs are acceptable
- Only if accompanied by a U.S. visa
- Only if the notary can read the foreign language on the passport
Correct answer: Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable government-issued photo ID
A current foreign government-issued passport with photo and signature qualifies as satisfactory evidence of identity.
NH Notary NH Notary Signer Identification Requirements 1
Which method of identifying a signer is acceptable under NH RSA 456-B?