OH Notary - Ohio Notary Signer Identification Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is acceptable identification for notarization in Ohio?
- An expired driver's license
- A current U.S. passport (Correct answer)
- A student ID card
- A credit card with the signer's name
Correct answer: A current U.S. passport
A current, unexpired U.S. passport is acceptable government-issued photo identification.
A U.S. passport is issued by the federal government, contains a photograph, and must be current. Expired documents, student IDs, and credit cards do not meet Ohio's requirements.
Question 2: Can an Ohio notary rely on personal knowledge to identify a signer?
- No, photo identification is always required
- Yes, personal knowledge is an acceptable identification method (Correct answer)
- Only if the signer is a family member
- Only for documents valued under $1,000
Correct answer: Yes, personal knowledge is an acceptable identification method
Personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable alternative to documentary identification.
Ohio law recognizes personal knowledge as a valid identification method. The notary should note this in their journal. 'Personal knowledge' should mean genuine, established familiarity.
Question 3: A signer presents an Ohio driver's license that expired last week. Should the notary accept it?
- Yes, it expired recently so it should be fine
- No, expired identification is not acceptable (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the photo still resembles the signer
- Only if no other ID is available
Correct answer: No, expired identification is not acceptable
Expired identification is not acceptable, regardless of how recently it expired.
Ohio law requires identification to be current and unexpired. Once expired, even by one day, the document no longer meets requirements. The notary should request an alternative valid ID.
Question 4: A credible witness may be used to identify a signer in Ohio when:
- The signer has no identification of any kind
- The credible witness personally knows both the signer and the notary (Correct answer)
- The witness is the notary's employer
- Credible witnesses are never permitted
Correct answer: The credible witness personally knows both the signer and the notary
A credible witness who knows both the signer and the notary may verify identity under oath.
When a signer cannot provide acceptable identification, a credible witness who personally knows the signer can confirm their identity to the notary under oath. The witness should also present their own valid ID.
Question 5: An Ohio notary is presented with a foreign passport as identification. Is this acceptable?
- No, only U.S. documents are accepted
- Yes, a current foreign passport is acceptable (Correct answer)
- Only if accompanied by a U.S. visa
- Only for foreign language documents
Correct answer: Yes, a current foreign passport is acceptable
A current foreign passport qualifies as government-issued photo identification.
Foreign passports are issued by national governments and contain photographs. A U.S. visa is not required for notarization purposes. The notary should note the passport's issuing country and number.
Question 6: What should a notary do when the name on the signer's ID does not exactly match the document name?
- Refuse the notarization entirely
- Proceed if the discrepancy can be reasonably explained and identity is not in question (Correct answer)
- Change the name on the document to match the ID
- Require the signer to legally change their name
Correct answer: Proceed if the discrepancy can be reasonably explained and identity is not in question
Minor, explainable discrepancies do not necessarily require refusal.
Minor discrepancies like middle initial vs. full middle name or maiden vs. married name may be acceptable if identity is clearly established. Document the discrepancy in the journal. Substantial differences warrant refusal.
OH Notary - Ohio Notary Signer Identification Requirements 2
Which of the following is acceptable identification for notarization in Ohio?