California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium
A Notary Public is presented with an affidavit by a signer who does not possess any of the statutory forms of identification. The signer brings two individuals who are both personally known to the Notary and who can swear or affirm to the signer's identity. Which of the following is true regarding this scenario?
- ABoth credible identifying witnesses must also sign the Notary's journal.
- BOnly one credible identifying witness is required if that witness is personally known to the Notary.
- CThe Notary must also have personal knowledge of the signer for this method to be valid.
- DThe Notary may proceed with the notarization using the two credible identifying witnesses.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Notary may proceed with the notarization using the two credible identifying witnesses.
When a signer lacks statutory ID, California law allows for identification through two credible identifying witnesses who are both personally known to the Notary Public and who can swear or affirm to the signer's identity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. Only the signer is required to sign the Notary's journal. The credible witnesses do not sign the journal.
- B. This is incorrect. If the Notary does not know the signer, two credible witnesses are required, and both must be personally known to the Notary.
- C. This is incorrect. The Notary does not need personal knowledge of the signer. The requirement is that the Notary personally knows the *witnesses*.
Two Credible Identifying Witnesses (Notary Known)
If a signer lacks identification, two credible identifying witnesses may be used if both are personally known to the Notary and can swear or affirm to the signer's identity.
- Both witnesses must be personally known to the Notary.
- Both witnesses must present an acceptable statutory ID to the Notary.
- Both witnesses must sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury affirming the signer's identity.
- The witnesses must not have a financial interest in the document.
Memory trick: Two trusted friends vouch for the signer's identity.