How To Notarize

Question 1

Personally Appear

Answer 1

• First step in notarizing
• Need to be physically in same person when notarizing at the time of the notarizion
• No webcams

Question 2

Personal Knowledge

Answer 2

• • Never use personal knowledge ever
• Used to be acceptable in California but no longer is
• Need to take ID at time of notarization
• Personal knowledge is still acceptable in some other states

Question 3

Tier 1 Identification Documents

Answer 3

• Most important IDs
• IDs we’re looking out for / ask for first when we are looking for identification
• CA Driver’s License Card
• CA Identification Card
• US Passport
• ## US Passport Card (can only be used when travelling to Mexico or Canada) = same as passport under the law
• Inmate Card (only for someone currently in custody)
• Inmate Bracelet (take this for ID if you’re working as a Notary at the Sheriff’s Department)

Question 4

Expired Identification Documents

Answer 4

• DL/ID Issued within 5 years, you can still take it
• Passport issued within 10 years, you can still take it

Question 5

Matching ID to the Document

Answer 5

• ID must be equal or greater than the signature
• ID must always have more or equal information than the signature on the notarized doc

Question 6

Tier 2 Identification Documents

Answer 6

• Must contain certain elements
• PSPS:
  - Photograph

    - Signature
  
    - Physical description
  
     x- Serial number

• Any State ID that has PSPS
• Voter ID Card
• Foreign passport
• Consular ID card (issued by a consulate in the US)
• Canadian or Mexican Driver’s License (as long as they meet PSPS requirements) – not ID, only driver’s license
• Military ID acceptable (must have PSPS requirement)
• California State or ID card
• Tribal ID card

Question 7

Tier 3 Identification Documents

Answer 7

• Applies when someone doesn’t have a Tier 1 or Tier 2 ID
• Credible witness:
  - Person that knows both the signer and the notary personally
  - Shows Tier 1 or Tier 2 ID
  - Walking ID card for signer

Question 8

Tier 3 ID Process #1 - One (1) Credible Witness

Answer 8

• Credible witness goes under a simple verbal oath
• Oath:
  1 - “Do you swear (or affirm) that you personally know the signer
  2- That the signer’s name is in the document
  3- Signer has no Tier 1 or no Tier 2 ID
  4- Signer cannot access the Tier 1 or Tier 2 ID
  5- You (the credible witness) has no beneficial or financial interest in the document
• Check the credible witness’s ID
• $10,000 fine if you fail to get a Tier 1 or Tier 2 ID from the credible witness

Question 9

Tier 3 ID Process #2 - Two (2) Credible Witnesses

Answer 9

• The two (2) credible witnesses have to know the signer but they don’t have to know the notary
• Follow same procedure as in Tier 3 ID Process #1
• Both credible witnesses will confirm oath
• Have to take IDs from credible witnesses ($10,000 fine for each credible witness)