California Notary Public ExamIdentification of SignersMedium
A Notary Public is notarizing a document for a signer who presents a state-issued identification card from Nevada. The card does not include a physical description of the bearer. Under California law, can the Notary Public accept this form of identification?
- ANo, because all acceptable IDs must contain a physical description of the bearer.
- BYes, but only if the notary personally knows the signer.
- CYes, as long as it has a photograph, serial number, and signature.
- DNo, unless it is accompanied by a second form of identification that includes a physical description.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, as long as it has a photograph, serial number, and signature.
California Notary Public law specifies requirements for acceptable identification documents. While many IDs include a physical description, it is not a universal requirement for all statutory identification, particularly out-of-state IDs, as long as they contain a photograph, serial number, and signature.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; not all acceptable IDs are required to have a physical description.
- B. Personal knowledge is a separate method of identification and does not validate an otherwise invalid ID.
- D. Requiring a second ID for a missing physical description is not a statutory solution for this situation.
Out-of-State ID Requirements
For an out-of-state identification card to be acceptable, it must be current or issued within the last five years, contain a photograph, a description of the person, and a serial or identifying number, and a signature of the bearer.
- Must be current or issued within 5 years.
- Must contain a photograph.
- Must contain a description of the person (though not always physical traits).
- Must contain a serial/identifying number.
- Must contain a signature.
Memory trick: Photo, Serial, Signature – the PSS of ID verification.