NC Notary Signer Identification and Vetting 2

Question 1

Under NCGS §10B-3, which of the following does NOT qualify as satisfactory evidence of identity for a NC notarization?

Accepted Answer

An expired government-issued ID from 6 months ago

Answer

A current US passport

Answer

A current state driver's license with a photo

Answer

A current US military ID with a photo

Question 2

A signer presents a valid government ID but their physical appearance differs significantly from the photo (e.g., different hair color, weight, and facial hair). The NC notary should:

Accepted Answer

Exercise judgment — significant differences may indicate a fraudulent ID or wrong ID, warranting further verification or refusal

Answer

Accept the ID if the name and signature match

Answer

Accept the ID since people change their appearance over time

Answer

Require a second form of ID automatically whenever there is any visual discrepancy

Question 3

Under NCGS Chapter 10B, what is a 'credible identifying witness' and when may one be used?

Accepted Answer

A person personally known to the notary who vouches for the signer's identity when the signer cannot produce acceptable ID

Answer

An attorney who verifies the signer's identity in writing, used for all notarizations

Answer

A law enforcement officer who checks the signer's identity in a police database

Answer

Any two people who know the signer, used when a government ID is not available

Question 4

A signer presents a foreign passport as identification for a NC notarization. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notary should:

Accepted Answer

Accept the foreign passport if it is current and contains a photo, name, and identifying information

Answer

Refuse to accept foreign passports — only US-issued IDs are acceptable

Answer

Accept the passport only if accompanied by a US visa

Answer

Require the signer to obtain a US government-issued ID first

Question 5

Under NC law, may a notary rely solely on a signer's business card as identification?

Accepted Answer

No — business cards are not government-issued and do not satisfy the ID requirement

Answer

Yes — if the business card includes a photo of the cardholder

Answer

Yes — for low-value document notarizations under $1,000

Answer

Yes — if two other employees of the same company verify the signer's identity

Question 6

A NC notary knows from a prior acquaintance that a person appearing before them is who they claim to be, even though the signer does not have any ID. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notary may:

Accepted Answer

Proceed based on personal knowledge of the signer's identity

Answer

Not proceed — government ID is always required regardless of personal knowledge

Answer

Proceed only after calling the NC SOS to obtain verbal authorization

Answer

Proceed only if the signer is a family member