California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium
A California Notary Public is presented with a document for notarization. The signer provides a California Driver's License that expired six months ago. The notary also observes that the signer's appearance matches the photo on the ID. Can the notary accept this expired ID as satisfactory evidence of identity?
- ANo, an expired ID is never acceptable.
- BNo, a California Driver's License must be current or issued within the last five years.
- CYes, if it expired less than one year ago.
- DYes, if the notary is certain the person matches the photo.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, a California Driver's License must be current or issued within the last five years.
California law specifies that a California Driver's License, to be acceptable identification, must be current or have been issued within the last five years. An ID expired six months ago that was issued more than five years prior would not meet this criterion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is too broad; some expired IDs (like those issued within 5 years) can be accepted, but not if they are too old.
- C. The 'within one year' rule applies to certain conditions, but not generally to a CA Driver's License that's expired and potentially outside the five-year issuance window.
- D. Personal certainty is not sufficient; the ID must meet statutory requirements.
CA Driver's License Validity
A California Driver's License is acceptable identification for a California Notary Public if it is current OR was issued within the last five years.
- Must be current (not expired).
- OR must have been issued within the last five years.
- Notaries must check both expiration and issue dates.
Memory trick: Expiration dates, a crucial check, for notary's duty, around the neck.