California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium

A Notary Public is performing a notarization for a person who is currently incarcerated in a California state prison. Which of the following forms of identification would be acceptable for this signer?

  1. AA California Driver's License that expired two years ago.
  2. BAn inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
  3. CA U.S. passport that expired one year ago.
  4. DA social security card and a credit card with the signer's name.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

For an incarcerated person in a California state prison, an inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is a specifically authorized form of identification.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. An expired California Driver's License (more than 5 years old from issue) is generally not acceptable, and specifically for incarcerated individuals, a prison ID is preferred.
  • C. An expired U.S. passport (more than 5 years old from issue) is generally not acceptable. For incarcerated individuals, a prison ID is the specific acceptable form.
  • D. A social security card and credit card are not considered satisfactory evidence of identity by themselves or in combination under California law.

Inmate Identification

For an incarcerated person in a California state prison, an inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is an acceptable form of identification for notarization.

  • Specific to individuals in CA state prisons.
  • Must be issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
  • Serves as satisfactory evidence of identity for these signers.

Memory trick: Prisons and IDs, a special rule, for notarizing documents, in every school.

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