Utah Notary Practice Test

What must notaries provide as evidence for a signer’s identification?

1. Social Security number

2. Government-issued identification

3. Witness confirmation

4. Birth certificate

The correct answer is: Government-issued identification

Notaries must provide government-issued identification as evidence of a signer's identity. This requirement is in place to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the identification process. Government-issued IDs, such as driver's licenses or passports, are typically embedded with several security features that make them reliable forms of identification. They contain essential details, including the signer's photo, name, and sometimes an address, which aid the notary in verifying that the individual requesting the notarization is, in fact, who they claim to be. In contrast, while options like a Social Security number or birth certificate may contain identifying information, they do not provide the immediate and verifiable confirmation of identity that government-issued IDs do. A Social Security number can be shared and isn't linked to a physical person's appearance, and a birth certificate, while confirming someone's birth and identity, does not serve to verify someone's current identity in the same way a photo ID does. Additionally, witness confirmation is not typically required as a primary means of identification and does not replace the need for solid evidence of identity such as a government-issued ID.