A Notary Public is presented with a document for an acknowledgment. The signer's identification card appears to be valid and current, but has a different signature than the one on the document. The signer explains they recently changed their legal signature. What should the Notary do?
- ARefuse the notarization until the signer obtains an updated ID with their new signature.
- BAccept the ID and proceed with the notarization, as the ID is otherwise valid.
- CRequire the signer to provide additional identification that matches the document signature.
- DAccept the ID, but have the signer sign the Notary's journal with both signatures for comparison.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Refuse the notarization until the signer obtains an updated ID with their new signature.
A Notary Public must ensure that the signature on the identification presented is consistent with the signature on the document being notarized, or at least that the Notary is satisfied the person is the same. If the signatures are different and the Notary cannot be satisfied, especially with a recent change, the Notary should refuse until an ID with the current signature is obtained.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Inconsistent signatures, even with an otherwise valid ID, create doubt and should not be overlooked.
- C. Additional ID might not resolve the core issue of the primary ID having a different signature.
- D. While comparing signatures in the journal can be helpful, it doesn't resolve the issue of the official identification card having an inconsistent signature for the primary ID source.
Satisfactory Evidence of Identity (Signature Consistency)
A Notary Public must be satisfied that the signature on the identification presented is consistent with the signature on the document. Significant discrepancies, especially due to recent changes, warrant refusal until proper identification is obtained.
- Notary must compare signatures.
- Inconsistencies create doubt about identity.
- Obtaining updated ID is the most secure resolution for major discrepancies.
Memory trick: ID and signature must agree, or the Notary must flee.