NYS NYS Notary Signer Identification and Verification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of signer identification in a New York notarial act?
- To record the signer's address for mailing purposes
- To verify that the person signing the document is who they claim to be (Correct answer)
- To confirm the document's contents are accurate
- To create a public record of the transaction
Correct answer: To verify that the person signing the document is who they claim to be
Identification ensures the notary can confirm the signer's identity, which is a foundational requirement for a valid notarization.
Question 2: Which form of identification is most commonly accepted by New York notaries to verify a signer's identity?
- A utility bill with the person's address
- A current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
- A credit card with the person's name
- A signed letter from an employer
Correct answer: A current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
Government-issued photo identification is the standard and most reliable means of identity verification for notarial purposes.
Question 3: If a signer does not have a photo ID, what alternative may a New York notary use to verify identity?
- The notary may proceed without any verification
- Personal knowledge of the signer or credible identifying witnesses (Correct answer)
- A notarized letter from a neighbor
- The signer's social media profile
Correct answer: Personal knowledge of the signer or credible identifying witnesses
A notary who personally knows the signer, or who accepts testimony from a credible witness who knows the signer, may proceed without documentary ID.
Question 4: A New York notary may NOT notarize a document if the signer:
- Is under 18 years of age
- Cannot be identified to the notary's satisfaction (Correct answer)
- Uses an affirmation instead of an oath
- Wants to sign with a mark instead of a full signature
Correct answer: Cannot be identified to the notary's satisfaction
If the notary cannot reasonably satisfy themselves of the signer's identity, they must refuse to notarize.
Question 5: What should a New York notary do if a presented ID appears altered or suspicious?
- Accept it and note the concern in the notary journal
- Refuse to proceed until satisfactory identification is provided (Correct answer)
- Call the issuing agency to verify the ID
- Proceed if the signer swears the ID is genuine
Correct answer: Refuse to proceed until satisfactory identification is provided
A notary should refuse to notarize when an ID appears altered or fraudulent because completing the act could facilitate fraud.
Question 6: Which of the following IDs would generally NOT be acceptable as sole identification for a New York notarization?
- A valid U.S. passport
- A current New York State driver's license
- An expired government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A current foreign government passport
Correct answer: An expired government-issued photo ID
An expired ID is not reliable proof of current identity, so most notaries should not accept it as sole identification.
NYS NYS Notary Signer Identification and Verification 1
What is the primary purpose of signer identification in a New York notarial act?