California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium
A Notary Public uses personal knowledge to identify a signer for a document. Which of the following statements accurately describes the requirements for a Notary Public to use personal knowledge as satisfactory evidence of identity?
- AThe notary must have seen the signer's statutory identification at least once in the past.
- BThe notary must have an acquaintance with the signer, enabling them to verify identity based on an established relationship.
- CThe notary must have known the signer for at least five years.
- DPersonal knowledge can only be used if no other form of identification is available.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The notary must have an acquaintance with the signer, enabling them to verify identity based on an established relationship.
Personal knowledge means the notary has an acquaintance with the individual, which is sufficient to eliminate any reasonable doubt that the individual has the identity claimed, based on an established relationship.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While seeing ID helps establish identity, personal knowledge is a distinct method and does not require prior viewing of statutory ID.
- C. There is no specific time frame (e.g., five years) required for personal knowledge; it's about the depth of acquaintance.
- D. Personal knowledge is a valid method of identification on its own, not merely a last resort.
Personal Knowledge (Notary)
Personal knowledge means the notary has an acquaintance with the individual that is sufficient to eliminate any reasonable doubt that the individual has the identity claimed.
- Based on an established relationship with the signer.
- Eliminates reasonable doubt of identity.
- Does not require a specific duration of acquaintance.
- Is a primary method of satisfactory evidence.
Memory trick: ID methods, three paths you'll find, to confirm a signer's truthful mind.