What methods may be used to confirm a signer's identity for a notarial act?

• A. A government-issued photo ID
• B. Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
• C. Verbal assurance
• D. A witness's assertion

Answer: (B)

Identifying the signer is essential to prevent fraud, and a notary may establish identity in two ways: personal knowledge of the signer or satisfactory evidence of identity. Personal knowledge means the notary recognizes the signer without documents, based on prior interactions or familiarity. Satisfactory evidence covers reliable identification, typically a government-issued photo ID showing the signer’s name and signature, or, if ID isn’t available, two credible identifying witnesses who personally know the signer and testify under oath to their identity in the notary’s presence. Verbal assurance alone isn’t enough, and a lone witness’s assertion by itself doesn’t meet the standard. So, the option that includes both personal knowledge and satisfactory evidence best captures the permitted methods.