California Notary Public — All Questions

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

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

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

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 credit card
• b.A birth certificate
• c.A Social Security 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.Only for jurats
• b.Yes, a valid U.S. passport is acceptable✓
• c.No
• d.Only if under 5 years old

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

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

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.Get written permission from the signer
• c.Charge a separate fee
• d.Take the witness's fingerprint

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

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

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

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 with a second ID
• c.Yes, if it was issued within the past five years and otherwise meets the requirements✓
• d.Only for acknowledgments

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

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 U.S. military identification card meeting the requirements
• c.A current California driver's license
• 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.Is issued in California only
• b.Contains the bearer's photograph, description, signature, and a serial or identifying number✓
• c.Is under one year old
• d.Is laminated

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

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