How can a notary assure the identity of a signer?

To assure the identity of a signer, requesting two forms of government-issued identification is the most reliable method. Government-issued IDs typically contain official information such as the signer's name, photograph, address, and signature, which are critical for verifying identity. This process not only protects the integrity of the notarization but also helps prevent fraud by ensuring that the individual presenting the document is indeed who they claim to be.

While knowing the signer personally might seem beneficial, it is not a substitute for formal identification, as personal familiarity may not adequately verify a person's identity in a legal context. Consulting with other notaries could provide some insight but is not a practical or effective method for immediate verification of a specific signer's identity. Lastly, asking the signer to provide a witness does not offer a direct verification of the signer's identity and could lead to ambiguities, as the witness may not necessarily have a reliable means to confirm the signer's identity either. Therefore, the requirement for valid government-issued identification is the most effective and widely accepted practice in notarial duties.