Florida Notary Practice Exam

What does a notary need to do if the signer cannot provide valid identification?

1. Refuse notarization

2. Accept verbal confirmation

3. Obtain identification through a witness

4. Make a note in the logbook

The correct answer is: Obtain identification through a witness

When a signer cannot provide valid identification, the notary should obtain identification through a witness. This is an acceptable practice because, in many jurisdictions, including Florida, a notary can rely on someone who personally knows the signer to vouch for their identity. This witness must have valid identification themselves and affirm that they know the signer and can verify their identity. Using a witness adds an additional layer of verification for the notary, ensuring that the notarization process maintains its integrity and that the notary fulfills their obligation to prevent fraud. This approach allows for flexibility in situations where traditional forms of identification are not available, while still upholding the legal requirements necessary for notarization. While refusing notarization might seem like a straightforward choice when faced with invalid ID, this option ignores alternative pathways for confirming identity in compliance with the law. Accepting verbal confirmation alone does not provide the necessary assurance, as it lacks substantiation through a reliable third party. Simply making a note in the logbook without taking further action does not fulfill the notary's responsibility to ensure proper identification.