California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersHard
A Notary Public is examining a U.S. passport presented by a signer. The passport was issued seven years ago and expired two years ago. The signer's appearance matches the photo. Can the notary accept this passport as satisfactory evidence of identity?
- AYes, if the notary also obtains a thumbprint from the signer.
- BNo, because a U.S. passport must be current or issued within the last five years.
- CNo, a U.S. passport is only acceptable if it was issued within the last year.
- DYes, because the signer's appearance matches the photo, confirming identity.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, because a U.S. passport must be current or issued within the last five years.
For a U.S. passport to be acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity in California, it must be current or have been issued within the last five years. A passport issued seven years ago and expired two years ago does not meet this requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Obtaining a thumbprint is a journal entry requirement, not an identification method, and doesn't validate an unacceptable ID.
- C. The 'issued within the last year' is incorrect; the rule is 'current or issued within the last five years'.
- D. Visual confirmation is not sufficient; the ID itself must meet statutory validity requirements.
U.S. Passport Validity
A U.S. passport is acceptable identification for a California Notary Public if it is current OR was issued within the last five years. If it has expired AND was issued more than five years ago, it is not acceptable.
- Must be current (not expired).
- OR must have been issued within the last five years.
- Both issue and expiration dates must be checked.
Memory trick: Expiration dates, a strict decree, for notary's trust, for all to see.