Identification and Verification Flashcards

A signer presents an unexpired U.S. passport card. The notary should treat it as:

Answer: Acceptable, since it is a federally issued document bearing the individual's photograph

A passport card is issued by the federal government and bears a photograph, satisfying the requirements for identification.

The person appearing before the notary is the notary's own brother, whom the notary obviously knows. What is the primary identification concern in this situation?

Answer: Identification is easily met, but the notary must consider whether a disqualifying conflict of interest exists

Personal knowledge clearly exists for a sibling, but the notary must separately ensure they have no disqualifying interest in the transaction.

A signer's legal name on the deed is 'Margaret A. Romero' but her license reads 'Peggy Romero.' The notary should:

Answer: Be reasonably satisfied the ID identifies the person named in the document before proceeding

The notary must be reasonably certain the person and the name in the record match, and may decline if the discrepancy leaves genuine doubt.

During a remote online notarization, the signer fails the knowledge-based authentication quiz twice. The notary should:

Answer: Not proceed unless identity can be established by another permitted method such as personal knowledge or a credible witness

A failed identity-proofing process means the remote signer has not been identified, so the notary must use another lawful method or decline.

Which record-keeping practice best supports the notary's identification determination if it is later challenged?

Answer: Recording in the journal the identification method used and a description of any ID presented

Journal entries describing how identity was established are the notary's best evidence in a later dispute.

A visibly intoxicated signer presents a valid, unexpired license that clearly matches him. May the notary proceed?

Answer: Identification is satisfied, but the notary should refuse if the signer lacks awareness or capacity to sign knowingly

Identity and competency are separate requirements, and a notary may refuse when the signer cannot comprehend the transaction.

An employer asks the notary to pre-verify the identities of ten employees today so they can sign documents next week without appearing. The notary should:

Answer: Refuse, because identification must occur with personal appearance at the time of each notarial act

Personal appearance and identification are required at the time of the notarial act and cannot be performed in advance.