California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersHard
A Notary Public is presented with a document signed by a minor who is 16 years old. The minor has a valid high school identification card with a photograph, but no other form of government-issued ID. Can the notary accept the high school ID as satisfactory evidence of the minor's identity?
- AYes, if the high school ID is current and includes a photograph.
- BNo, a high school identification card is not a statutory form of identification.
- CNo, minors cannot have documents notarized under any circumstances.
- DYes, but only if the minor's parent or legal guardian is also present and provides their own ID.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, a high school identification card is not a statutory form of identification.
A high school identification card is not listed as a statutory form of identification in California for notarization purposes. Only specific government-issued IDs, personal knowledge, or credible witnesses are acceptable.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Even if current and with a photo, a high school ID is not a recognized form of satisfactory evidence of identity.
- C. Minors can have documents notarized, but their identity must be established using acceptable methods (e.g., credible witnesses if they lack statutory ID).
- D. While a parent might be involved in the transaction, their presence and ID do not make an otherwise unacceptable ID acceptable for the minor signer.
Non-Statutory IDs
Identification documents not explicitly listed in California notary law (e.g., high school IDs, credit cards, social security cards) are generally not acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity.
- Only specifically listed government IDs are acceptable.
- High school IDs are not on the statutory list.
- Other methods (personal knowledge, credible witnesses) must be used if statutory ID is absent.
Memory trick: IDs not listed, a clear NO, for notary's duty, you must know.