What are examples of Satisfactory Evidence of Identity?

Satisfactory evidence of identity is crucial for a notary public to verify that a signer is who they claim to be. The most reliable forms of identification typically include government-issued identification, given their stringent requirements for issuance and their standardization.

A government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, that includes both a photograph and signature provides both visual and confirmed identity verification. It assures the notary that the individual is not only the person whose name is being presented but also that they have been officially recognized by a governmental agency.

Additionally, personal knowledge of the individual's identity can serve as a legitimate form of identification, especially in contexts where a physical ID is not available. This method involves the notary affirming their acquaintance with the individual, sufficiently supporting their identity based on past interactions.

Comparably, options like a utility bill, although they can be used for verification of address, do not serve as strong sources of identity verification because they lack a photo and signature. Similarly, a birth certificate and social security card, while valid documents in other contexts, do not fulfill the criteria of being a reliable, current form of identification for the purposes of notarization. These documents serve different functions and do not in themselves establish the identity of the individual before