North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

The requirement for a notary to confirm the identification of a signer involves either personal knowledge of the individual or the use of adequate identification. Personal knowledge refers to the notary having prior familiarity with the signer, which enables them to verify the identity based on recognition. Alternatively, if the notary does not personally know the signer, they can rely on adequate identification. This typically involves the signer presenting a government-issued ID that includes a photograph and a signature, which helps establish the signer's identity during the notarial act.

In contrast, relying solely on government-issued ID would not account for situations where the notary may know the signer personally. Additionally, a witness present is not a requirement for confirming identification; witnesses may be involved in other contexts but are not mandated by notary law for identity verification. Likewise, a signed affidavit is not necessary for the identity confirmation process and does not enhance the notary's capability to ascertain the signer's identity. Together, personal knowledge and adequate identification represent the fundamental methods a notary can employ to fulfill this critical aspect of their duties.