CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions

What does 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer's identity mean in California?

• a.The notary's own belief
• b.A signed statement from the signer
• c.Identification by acceptable ID documents or by credible witness(es), as defined by statute✓
• d.Any photo the signer provides

Civil Code §1185 defines satisfactory evidence as either specified identification documents or the oath of a credible witness (or two). It is the only lawful basis for verifying identity in California.CA Civil Code §1185

May a California notary rely on personal knowledge of the signer to establish identity?

• a.No; California eliminated personal knowledge—identity must be by acceptable ID or credible witness✓
• b.Yes, if the notary has known the signer for years
• c.Yes, for family members
• d.Yes, for acknowledgments only

Unlike many states, California does not allow personal knowledge as a method of identifying a signer. Even a well-known signer must be identified through acceptable identification documents or the oath of credible witnesses.CA Civil Code §1185

Which of the following is an acceptable identification document in California?

• a.A Social Security card
• b.A birth certificate
• c.A credit card
• d.A current California driver's license or DMV-issued ID card✓

A current California driver's license or state ID card issued by the DMV is a primary acceptable ID. Social Security cards, birth certificates, and credit cards are not acceptable because they lack the required photo, signature, and description.CA Civil Code §1185

Is a valid U.S. passport acceptable identification for a California notarization?

• a.No
• b.Yes, a valid U.S. passport is acceptable✓
• c.Only if under 5 years old
• d.Only for jurats

A valid, current U.S. passport is one of the acceptable forms of satisfactory evidence. It contains a photograph and signature, satisfying the statutory requirements.CA Civil Code §1185

For most acceptable ID documents, what is the currency requirement?

• a.Must be issued this year
• b.Must be at least 10 years old
• c.Must be current or issued within the past 5 years✓
• d.There is no time limit

An acceptable ID must be current or, if expired, have been issued within the previous five years. A card older than five years past its issuance does not qualify even if it appears valid.CA Civil Code §1185

When a single credible witness is used to identify a signer, that witness must be:

• a.A relative of the signer
• b.At least 21 years old
• c.A licensed attorney
• d.Personally known to the notary and must personally know the signer✓

A single credible witness must both personally know the signer and be personally known to the notary. The witness swears under oath to the signer's identity and must have no financial interest in the transaction.CA Civil Code §1185

Before accepting a credible witness's identification of a signer, the notary must:

• a.Administer an oath or affirmation to the credible witness✓
• b.Take the witness's fingerprint
• c.Charge a separate fee
• d.Get written permission from the signer

The notary must place the credible witness under oath or affirmation before relying on the witness's statement of the signer's identity. The witness swears that the signer is the person named in the document.CA Civil Code §1185

How may two credible witnesses be used when neither the notary nor the signer can otherwise establish identity?

• a.They sign the document for the signer
• b.Each is identified by acceptable ID and each swears to personally knowing the signer✓
• c.They pay the notary fee
• d.They act as the signer's attorneys

Two credible witnesses who personally know the signer, but who are unknown to the notary, may be used if each witness is identified by the notary through acceptable ID. Each witness then swears under oath to the signer's identity.CA Civil Code §1185

Which foreign document may qualify as acceptable identification in California?

• a.Any foreign national ID card
• b.A foreign birth certificate
• c.A valid passport issued by a foreign government (or an inland/consular ID meeting statutory criteria)✓
• d.A foreign utility bill

A foreign passport is acceptable if it has been stamped by U.S. immigration authorities, and driver's licenses issued by Canada or Mexico also qualify. General foreign national ID cards, birth certificates, and utility bills do not meet the statutory list.CA Civil Code §1185

An inmate in a California correctional facility who lacks other ID may be identified using:

• a.An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, together with a credible witness who is a facility employee✓
• b.A cellmate's word
• c.No identification is possible
• d.A tattoo

A CDCR-issued inmate ID card is listed as an acceptable identification document, and a facility official may serve as a credible witness. This allows incarcerated persons to have documents notarized within the statutory framework.CA Civil Code §1185

An ID card expired three years ago is presented. Is it acceptable?

• a.No, any expired ID is unacceptable
• b.Only for acknowledgments
• c.Only with a second ID
• d.Yes, if it was issued within the past five years and otherwise meets the requirements✓

An expired card remains acceptable if it was issued within the previous five years. Thus an ID that expired three years ago but was issued four years ago may still qualify, provided it contains the required features.CA Civil Code §1185

Acceptable identification documents generally must contain all of the following EXCEPT:

• a.A photograph of the bearer
• b.A physical description and signature
• c.The bearer's fingerprint✓
• d.A serial or identifying number

Acceptable ID must include a photograph, description, signature, and an identifying/serial number and be issued by an authorized agency. A fingerprint is not among the required features of an ID document.CA Civil Code §1185

May a person with a direct financial interest in the transaction serve as a credible witness?

• a.Yes, always
• b.No; a credible witness must have no financial interest and not be named in the document✓
• c.Yes, for jurats
• d.Only if related to the signer

A credible witness must be disinterested—having no financial interest in the transaction and not being named in the document. This impartiality protects the integrity of the identification.CA Civil Code §1185

Which of the following is NOT acceptable identification on its own in California?

• a.A valid U.S. passport
• b.A current California driver's license
• c.A U.S. military identification card meeting the requirements
• d.A Social Security card✓

A Social Security card lacks a photograph, physical description, and serial identifying features, so it is not acceptable identification. Passports, DMV licenses, and qualifying U.S. military IDs are acceptable.CA Civil Code §1185

A U.S. military identification card may be used as satisfactory evidence if it:

• a.Contains the bearer's photograph, description, signature, and a serial or identifying number✓
• b.Is laminated
• c.Is issued in California only
• d.Is under one year old

A U.S. military ID qualifies when it contains a photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying number. Like other acceptable IDs, it must be issued by an authorized governmental agency.CA Civil Code §1185

An identification card issued by a state, county, city, or federal agency may be acceptable if it:

• a.Is a library card
• b.Is any employee badge
• c.Contains a photograph, description, signature, and identifying number and was issued by an authorized government office✓
• d.Is signed by a supervisor

An employee ID card issued by a government agency qualifies only when it includes the required photograph, description, signature, and serial number. A private employer badge or library card does not meet the statutory standard.CA Civil Code §1185