California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersEasy
A Notary Public is asked to perform a notarization for a signer who is an inmate at a California state prison. The inmate presents an identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The card is current and includes a photograph, description, and signature. Is this acceptable identification?
- ANo, because all identification documents must be issued by a federal or state government agency, not a department.
- BYes, but only if the notarization is performed within the prison facility.
- CYes, an inmate identification card issued by the CDCR is a statutory form of identification for incarcerated persons.
- DNo, unless the Notary also has personal knowledge of the inmate.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, an inmate identification card issued by the CDCR is a statutory form of identification for incarcerated persons.
California law specifically lists an inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a statutory form of identification for persons incarcerated in a California state prison.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. The CDCR is a state department, and its inmate ID is explicitly listed as acceptable.
- B. This is incorrect. The acceptability of the ID is not dependent on the location of the notarization, only on its compliance with statutory requirements.
- D. This is incorrect. Personal knowledge is not required when a statutory ID is presented.
Inmate Identification
For incarcerated individuals in California state prisons, an identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is an acceptable form of identification.
- Specific to persons incarcerated in California state prisons.
- Must be current.
- Must include a photograph, physical description, and signature.
- It is a statutory form of identification.
Memory trick: Prison ID unlocks the notary door for inmates.