What is the primary purpose of a notary verifying the identity of a signer?
The primary responsibility of a notary public is to verify the identity of the signer to prevent fraud and ensure that the person signing the document is who they claim to be. This is done through acceptable identification methods.
Which of the following is considered "satisfactory evidence" of a signer’s identity under Idaho notarial law?
Satisfactory evidence includes government-issued photo identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID. Verbal confirmations or non-photo documents like birth certificates are not acceptable on their own.
In which scenario can a notary use a credible witness to verify the identity of a signer?
A credible witness can be used to verify a signer's identity if the signer does not have acceptable identification. The witness must personally know both the notary and the signer and be able to vouch for the signer’s identity under oath.
If a signer appears without proper identification and without a credible witness, what should the notary do?
The notary must refuse to notarize the document if the signer does not have proper identification and there is no credible witness available. They should ask the signer to return with the required ID.
Which of the following is not a valid form of identification for notarial purposes in Idaho?
The ID presented must be current (i.e., not expired). While a military ID, valid state-issued identification card, or valid tribal ID are acceptable, an expired driver’s license is not valid for notarial purposes.