California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium
A Notary Public is presented with an unexpired identification card issued by a foreign consulate (e.g., a Matricula Consular card) by a signer who lacks other forms of identification. The card contains a photograph, description, and signature. Can the Notary accept this card for identification?
- ANo, unless the card has a stamp from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- BYes, if the foreign consulate is recognized by the U.S. government.
- CNo, because a Matricula Consular card is not a statutory form of identification in California.
- DYes, if the Notary also obtains an additional non-statutory ID from the signer.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, because a Matricula Consular card is not a statutory form of identification in California.
Matricula Consular cards, or any other identification cards issued by foreign consulates, are explicitly NOT acceptable forms of identification for California Notaries Public. The list of acceptable IDs is statutory and does not include these cards.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. A USCIS stamp applies to foreign passports, not to Matricula Consular cards, which are generally not accepted at all.
- B. This is incorrect. Recognition by the U.S. government does not make a consular ID acceptable for notarization in California.
- D. This is incorrect. Adding another non-statutory ID does not make the primary non-statutory ID acceptable.
Matricula Consular Card Acceptability
Matricula Consular cards and other identification cards issued by foreign consulates are NOT acceptable forms of identification for notarization in California.
- Explicitly excluded from the list of statutory IDs.
- Regardless of apparent authenticity or features, they cannot be accepted.
- Notaries must be aware of specific exclusions as well as inclusions.
- Signers lacking statutory ID must use credible witnesses or other means.
Memory trick: Consular cards are 'foreign' to the acceptable ID list.