HI Notary Identifying Signers 3

Question 1

A signer presents two forms of ID that show different addresses but the same name and photo. How should a Hawaii notary proceed?

Accepted Answer

Accept the IDs — address differences alone do not invalidate satisfactory evidence

Answer

Refuse notarization since the IDs conflict

Answer

Request a third form of ID to resolve the discrepancy

Answer

Contact the notary division before proceeding

Question 2

Under Hawaii law, what is the primary purpose of verifying a signer's identity before notarization?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the person signing is who they claim to be, preventing fraudulent signatures

Answer

To determine if the signer is legally competent to enter contracts

Answer

To verify the signer is a Hawaii resident

Answer

To confirm the signer has read and understood the document

Question 3

A woman presents a current state ID from Nevada, not Hawaii. Is this acceptable for a Hawaii notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a current state-issued ID from any U.S. state is acceptable satisfactory evidence

Answer

No — only Hawaii-issued IDs are acceptable

Answer

Only if the transaction involves Nevada

Answer

Only with a second form of ID

Question 4

If a signer's appearance differs significantly from the photo on their ID (e.g., weight change, new beard), what should a Hawaii notary do?

Accepted Answer

Use professional judgment — if reasonably satisfied the person matches the ID, proceed; otherwise ask for additional verification

Answer

Automatically reject the ID and refuse to notarize

Answer

Require the signer to update their ID before returning

Answer

Proceed without question since the ID is government-issued

Question 5

A parent wants a Hawaii notary to notarize a document for their 16-year-old child. The child has no ID. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

The parent can act as a credible witness if they meet the requirements

Answer

Refuse — minors cannot be signers on notarized documents

Answer

Simply accept the parent's word since they are present

Answer

Notarize under the parent's identity instead

Question 6

A signer presents a U.S. passport that is 3 months expired. Under Hawaii notary law, should this be accepted?

Accepted Answer

No — the passport must be current (unexpired) to serve as satisfactory evidence

Answer

Yes — passports remain valid for identity for one year after expiration

Answer

Yes — a U.S. passport is always acceptable regardless of expiration

Answer

Only if accompanied by a birth certificate