ME Notary - Maine Notary Proper Signer Identification Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Maine law, which of the following is an acceptable method for a Notary Public to verify a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

Viewing a valid, government-issued photo ID.

Answer

Accepting a notarized statement of identity from the signer's spouse.

Answer

Receiving a verbal assurance from the signer's attorney over the phone.

Answer

Comparing the signature on the document to a signature on a credit card.

Question 2

A signer appears before a Maine Notary Public but does not have an acceptable form of identification. The signer's close friend, whom the Notary personally knows and trusts, is present. What is the correct procedure for the Notary to identify the signer?

Accepted Answer

The Notary may use the friend as a 'credible witness' who must swear or affirm to the signer's identity.

Answer

The friend cannot act as a witness because they are not a family member.

Answer

The Notary may proceed if the signer promises to bring their ID the next day.

Answer

The Notary should refuse the notarization because only government-issued ID is ever permitted.

Question 3

Which of the following would be considered an UNACCEPTABLE form of identification for a notarization in Maine?

Accepted Answer

A Social Security card.

Answer

A valid U.S. Passport.

Answer

A current State of Maine driver's license.

Answer

A current U.S. military identification card.

Question 4

A Notary Public has been the next-door neighbor of an individual for over 15 years and they interact frequently. The individual needs a document notarized but has misplaced their wallet. How may the Notary properly identify this individual?

Accepted Answer

Through 'personal knowledge' of the individual's identity.

Answer

The Notary must refuse the service until the ID is found.

Answer

By having the individual sign an affidavit of identity.

Answer

By calling another neighbor to verbally confirm the individual's identity.

Question 5

When a Maine Notary identifies a signer using a government-issued ID, what is a critical feature the Notary must check on the credential?

Accepted Answer

The ID must be current and not expired.

Answer

The signer's address must match the address on the document.

Answer

The ID must have been issued within the last five years.

Answer

The ID must have been issued by the State of Maine.

Question 6

A credible witness is used to identify a signer. According to Maine statutes, the Notary Public must identify the credible witness through which method?

Accepted Answer

Personal knowledge or by satisfactory evidence, such as a driver's license or passport.

Answer

Accepting the witness's sworn statement without further verification.

Answer

The witness must be a licensed attorney in the State of Maine.

Answer

The witness must present their birth certificate and a major credit card.