How may identification be established if a signer lacks acceptable government-issued ID?

• A. Use a photocopy of an ID.
• B. Use two credible identifying witnesses who know the signer and can be identified.
• C. Rely on the notary's personal knowledge alone.
• D. Ask the signer to sign with a different hand.

Answer: (B)

When a signer cannot present acceptable government-issued ID, identity can be established by having two credible identifying witnesses who personally know the signer and can be identified. These witnesses provide independent verification of the signer's identity, and their statements and identities are verified and recorded as part of the notarial act. This method helps prevent impersonation by requiring two separate, reliable confirmations from people who know the signer.

A photocopy of an ID isn’t acceptable because it doesn’t prove identity. Relying on the notary’s personal knowledge alone is generally not sufficient in this scenario, and asking the signer to sign with a different hand does not address identity verification.