Notary Public Exam Identification & Credential Verification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is generally acceptable as a primary form of identification for notarization?
- A utility bill with the signer's name and address
- A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
- A bank statement from the current month
- An employer-issued badge with the signer's photo
Correct answer: A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
A current government-issued photo ID—such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport—is the standard primary identification accepted for notarization in most states.
The standard requirement for notary identification is a current (unexpired) government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents typically include a state driver's license, state identification card, US passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. Documents that lack a photo (utility bills, bank statements) or are not government-issued (employer badges) do not meet the primary ID standard.
Question 2: A signer's name on the document is 'Robert James Smith' but their driver's license reads 'Robert J. Smith.' How should the notary proceed?
- Refuse to notarize because the names do not match exactly
- Proceed, noting any name discrepancy in the journal if the notary is reasonably satisfied of the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Have the signer change the document to match the ID exactly
- Ask the signer to provide a second ID with the full middle name
Correct answer: Proceed, noting any name discrepancy in the journal if the notary is reasonably satisfied of the signer's identity
Minor name variations (middle name vs. middle initial) are common and generally acceptable if the notary is otherwise satisfied of the signer's identity. The notary should note the discrepancy in their journal.
Notaries routinely encounter minor name discrepancies between documents and IDs. Best practice is to note any discrepancy in the notary journal and proceed if the notary is otherwise satisfied about the signer's identity. For significant discrepancies (completely different names), additional identification or clarification may be required.
Question 3: Which form of identification is generally NOT acceptable for notarization purposes?
- A current US passport
- A current foreign passport
- A Social Security card (Correct answer)
- A current military ID
Correct answer: A Social Security card
A Social Security card typically lacks a photo and is not a government-issued photo ID. It is not an acceptable primary form of identification for most notarial acts.
While a Social Security card is a government-issued document, it does not include a photograph or physical description of the cardholder and therefore does not satisfy the photo ID requirement. It may be used in some contexts as a supplementary document but is not an acceptable primary ID for notarization in most states.
Question 4: What is the purpose of comparing the signer's physical appearance to their ID?
- To make a record of the signer's appearance
- To verify the person presenting the ID is the same person to whom it was issued, detecting imposters (Correct answer)
- To ensure the signer matches the document's named party
- To determine if the signer needs a new photo on their license
Correct answer: To verify the person presenting the ID is the same person to whom it was issued, detecting imposters
Comparing physical appearance to the ID photo and description is how notaries detect imposters—people using someone else's valid identification to fraudulently sign documents.
The physical appearance comparison is a critical anti-fraud step. It confirms that the person standing before the notary is the same individual described and photographed in the ID document. The notary should check that the photo, physical description, height, weight, and any other descriptors on the ID reasonably match the person presenting it.
Question 5: In states that allow 'personal knowledge' as a basis for identification, what does this mean?
- The notary has processed documents for this person before
- The notary personally knows the signer from a prior relationship and can vouch for their identity without documentary ID (Correct answer)
- The signer is a public figure whose identity is widely known
- The signer has been identified by their employer
Correct answer: The notary personally knows the signer from a prior relationship and can vouch for their identity without documentary ID
Personal knowledge means the notary has a prior, established relationship with the signer and is personally certain of their identity—not simply that the notary has met them once or seen them professionally.
When a state allows personal knowledge as a basis for identification, it means the notary has a genuine, established prior relationship with the signer—such as a longstanding friend, neighbor, or family member—and is personally certain of who they are. This is not simply recognizing someone from past transactions.
Question 6: A signer presents a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe. Should this be accepted?
- No, only state and federal government IDs are acceptable
- Yes, tribal IDs from federally recognized tribes are generally considered government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- Only if accompanied by a second form of ID
- Only in states where the tribe's reservation is located
Correct answer: Yes, tribal IDs from federally recognized tribes are generally considered government-issued photo ID
Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized Native American tribes are considered government-issued identification and are generally acceptable for notarization purposes in most states.
Federally recognized Native American tribes are sovereign governmental entities, and their issued photo identification cards are considered government-issued ID. Most state notary guidelines accept tribal IDs as valid identification for notarization purposes, provided the card contains the required elements (photo, name, physical description, expiration date).
Notary Public Exam Identification & Credential Verification 2
Which of the following is generally acceptable as a primary form of identification for notarization?