Notary Exam Signer Identification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of identifying a signer before notarization?
- To verify the signer's mailing address
- To ensure the person signing is who they claim to be (Correct answer)
- To check the signer's credit history
- To verify the accuracy of the document's content
Correct answer: To ensure the person signing is who they claim to be
Identifying the signer is the cornerstone of notarization because it prevents fraud by confirming the signer is truly the person they claim to be.
Question 2: Which form of identification is considered most reliable for notarization purposes?
- A utility bill with the signer's name
- A government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A major credit card
- A business card
Correct answer: A government-issued photo ID
A current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport is the gold standard for notary identification because it is difficult to forge.
Question 3: What does 'satisfactory evidence' of identity mean for a notary?
- Any document that has the person's name on it
- Evidence that reasonably identifies the signer, typically a current government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
- A verbal statement by the signer confirming their name
- A written statement from a third party
Correct answer: Evidence that reasonably identifies the signer, typically a current government-issued photo ID
Satisfactory evidence of identity means the notary has reliable proof, usually a current photo ID, that establishes the signer is who they claim to be.
Question 4: Can a notary use a 'credible witness' to identify a signer who lacks proper ID?
- No, never—an ID is always required
- Yes, many states permit a credible witness to vouch for a signer's identity (Correct answer)
- Only for real estate documents
- Only if two attorneys are also present
Correct answer: Yes, many states permit a credible witness to vouch for a signer's identity
Most states allow a credible witness who personally knows the signer and has no interest in the transaction to vouch for the signer's identity.
Question 5: Which of the following IDs is generally NOT acceptable for notarization?
- A current state driver's license
- A valid US passport
- An expired state ID card (Correct answer)
- A current US military ID
Correct answer: An expired state ID card
Expired identification documents are not acceptable because they no longer reliably confirm the bearer's current identity.
Question 6: What information about a signer's ID should a notary typically record in their journal?
- Nothing—ID information is confidential
- The type of ID, issuing agency, ID number, and expiration date (Correct answer)
- Only the type of ID
- Only the expiration date
Correct answer: The type of ID, issuing agency, ID number, and expiration date
Recording full ID details in the journal creates an audit trail that helps prove the notary properly identified the signer.
