California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersEasy
A Notary Public is asked to notarize a document for a signer. The signer presents a driver's license issued by another U.S. state, which expired 3 years ago. What action should the Notary take regarding identification?
- AAccept the expired driver's license only if the Notary personally knows the signer.
- BAccept the expired driver's license if the signer can also provide a utility bill matching their address.
- CAccept the expired driver's license if it contains a photograph and physical description.
- DRefuse the expired driver's license and request a current, acceptable form of identification.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Refuse the expired driver's license and request a current, acceptable form of identification.
California law dictates that an out-of-state driver's license must be current or issued within the last 5 years to be considered satisfactory evidence of identity. An ID expired 3 years ago is still within the 5-year issuance window, but it must also be 'current'. An expired ID is not 'current'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. While personal knowledge is an acceptable form of identification, it is not used to validate an otherwise unacceptable ID.
- B. This is incorrect. A utility bill is not a statutory form of identification and cannot substitute for a valid primary ID.
- C. This is incorrect. The driver's license must be current AND issued within 5 years.
Validity Period for IDs
Most acceptable identification documents for notarization in California must be current or, for some types, issued within the last five years and still appear current.
- A U.S. state driver's license or ID card must be current or issued within the last 5 years.
- An expired ID is generally not acceptable, even if within the 5-year issuance window.
- The Notary must visually inspect the ID for signs of alteration or tampering.
Memory trick: Time's up for expired IDs, check the clock!