California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersHard
A Notary Public is presented with a document to notarize. The signer provides a foreign passport that does NOT have a stamp from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The passport does contain a photograph, physical description, and signature. Can the notary accept this passport as satisfactory evidence of identity?
- AYes, if the signer can provide an additional government-issued photo ID from their home country.
- BNo, unless the notary personally knows the signer.
- CYes, if the notary also verifies the signer's identity using an unexpired credit card.
- DNo, a foreign passport without a USCIS stamp is never acceptable in California.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No, a foreign passport without a USCIS stamp is never acceptable in California.
For a foreign passport to be accepted as satisfactory evidence of identity in California, it must be stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in addition to containing a photograph, physical description, and signature, and being current. Without the USCIS stamp, it is not acceptable.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An additional foreign ID does not substitute for the required USCIS stamp on the foreign passport itself.
- B. Personal knowledge is a separate method of identification; it does not make an otherwise unacceptable ID acceptable.
- C. Credit cards are not statutory identification, and a foreign passport still requires a USCIS stamp.
Mandatory USCIS Stamp
A foreign passport presented for identification to a California Notary Public must be stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be considered satisfactory evidence of identity.
- Crucial requirement for foreign passports.
- Without it, the foreign passport is not acceptable.
- Applies in addition to photo, description, signature, and currency requirements.
Memory trick: Foreign passports, a rule so clear, USCIS stamp must always be near.