NM Notary Signer Identification Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under New Mexico's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, which of the following is an acceptable way to identify a signer?
- Personal knowledge of the individual (Correct answer)
- A verbal introduction by the signer's employer
- A photocopy of an expired library card
- The signer's verbal statement of their own name
Correct answer: Personal knowledge of the individual
New Mexico law allows identification by personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence from an ID document, or a credible witness.
Question 2: A signer presents a driver's license that expired two years ago. Under New Mexico law, may the notary accept it?
- Yes, because an ID expired no more than three years is acceptable (Correct answer)
- No, all identification must be current
- Yes, but only if a second ID is also presented
- No, expired licenses are never valid for notarization
Correct answer: Yes, because an ID expired no more than three years is acceptable
New Mexico permits a government-issued ID that is current or expired not more than three years before the notarial act.
Question 3: What must a credible witness do before vouching for a signer's identity in New Mexico?
- Take an oath or affirmation verifying the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Sign the document as a co-signer
- Present two forms of identification for the signer
- Pay the notarial fee on the signer's behalf
Correct answer: Take an oath or affirmation verifying the signer's identity
A credible witness must verify the signer's identity under oath or affirmation administered by the notary.
Question 4: Which document is generally acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity even though it lacks a physical description?
- A current passport issued by the U.S. government (Correct answer)
- A birth certificate
- A Social Security card
- A utility bill with the signer's address
Correct answer: A current passport issued by the U.S. government
A passport is an acceptable government-issued ID because it contains a photograph and signature, even without a physical description.
Question 5: A notary's neighbor of fifteen years asks for a notarization but forgot her wallet. What may the notary do?
- Proceed using personal knowledge of the signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Refuse, because an ID document is always mandatory
- Notarize but note 'no ID presented' in the certificate
- Accept a photo of her ID texted from her phone
Correct answer: Proceed using personal knowledge of the signer's identity
Personal knowledge from long-standing acquaintance is a lawful basis for identifying a signer in New Mexico.
Question 6: Which of these is NOT satisfactory evidence of identity under New Mexico notary law?
- A signed personal letter describing the signer (Correct answer)
- A current state-issued driver's license
- A current U.S. military ID with photo and signature
- A foreign passport with photo and signature
Correct answer: A signed personal letter describing the signer
A personal letter is not a government-issued identification document and cannot serve as satisfactory evidence.
Question 7: Why is a Social Security card unacceptable for identifying a signer?
- It lacks a photograph and physical description (Correct answer)
- It is not issued by the federal government
- It expires too quickly
- It can only be used for tax documents
Correct answer: It lacks a photograph and physical description
A Social Security card has no photograph, signature, or physical description, so it cannot verify identity.
