Utah Notary Public — All Questions

How may a Utah notary establish the identity of a signer?

• a.Only by a Utah driver's license
• b.Only by two witnesses in every case
• c.By personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government photo ID or a credible witness✓
• d.By the signer stating their own name aloud

Utah allows identification by the notary's personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence: a current government-issued identification card bearing a photo and signature, or the oath of a credible witness who knows the signer. Simply hearing a name is never enough.Utah Code 46-1 (Notaries Public Reform Act); Utah Notary Handbook

Which document is acceptable identification for a Utah notarization?

• a.A store loyalty card
• b.A current U.S. passport✓
• c.A Social Security card
• d.A utility bill

Acceptable identification is a current government-issued document with the signer's photograph, signature, and an identifying number, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Loyalty cards, Social Security cards, and utility bills do not qualify.Utah Code 46-1 (Notaries Public Reform Act); Utah Notary Handbook

A Utah signer lacks ID but brings a credible witness. What must happen before the notary relies on that witness?

• a.The witness signs the document for the signer
• b.The witness's ID is copied onto the certificate
• c.Nothing; a witness is automatically enough
• d.The witness is placed under oath and must personally know the signer and be identified to the notary✓

The credible witness must personally know the signer, be identified to or known by the notary, and take an oath or affirmation vouching for the signer's identity. Only a sworn, qualifying witness may substitute for a missing ID.Utah Code 46-1 (Notaries Public Reform Act); Utah Notary Handbook

The notary has real doubt about a signer's identity and there is no acceptable ID or credible witness. What is required?

• a.Refuse to perform the notarization✓
• b.Perform it and note the doubt on the certificate
• c.Accept the signer's word that they are honest
• d.Ask the signer to sign a waiver of the ID rule

If identity cannot be confirmed by personal knowledge, an acceptable ID, or a credible witness, the notary must refuse. Notarizing despite genuine doubt about identity defeats the fraud-prevention purpose of the office.Utah Notary Handbook (Utah Lieutenant Governor)