Key Takeaways
- Identity can be verified through personal knowledge OR satisfactory evidence
- Personal knowledge is the highest form of identity verification
- Acceptable IDs must be current, unexpired, and government-issued with photo
- Passports, driver's licenses, and state IDs are primary acceptable documents
- The notary may require additional identification if not satisfied
Satisfactory Evidence of Identity
Proper identity verification is fundamental to notarial practice under RULONA. Pennsylvania requires notaries to positively identify every signer through either personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence.
Two Methods of Identification
Under RULONA, a notary may identify a signer through:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Knowledge | Notary personally knows the individual |
| Satisfactory Evidence | Acceptable identification documents |
Personal Knowledge
Personal knowledge is the highest form of identification. A notary has personal knowledge when:
| Sufficient | NOT Sufficient |
|---|---|
| Personal relationship over time | Met briefly once |
| Regular professional dealings | Same workplace without interaction |
| Family member or close friend | Casual acquaintance |
| Repeated transactions with notary | Someone else vouches for them |
Key: You must have reasonable certainty that the individual is who they claim to be based on your direct experience.
Satisfactory Evidence - Primary Documents
Under RULONA, these documents provide satisfactory evidence of identity:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Passport | Current, unexpired |
| Driver's license | Government-issued, current, unexpired, with photo |
| State ID card | Government-issued, current, unexpired, with photo |
Additional Acceptable Documents (Per Regulations)
The RULONA regulations provide additional acceptable forms of ID:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| U.S. Armed Forces ID | Current, contains signature or photo |
| PA DOC Inmate ID | For inmates currently in custody |
| DHS ID card | Department of Homeland Security issued |
| Consular ID | From individual's country of citizenship |
Consular ID Note: The document must use letters, characters, and language that are read, written, and understood by the notary.
What to Verify on ID
| Check | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Photo | Matches person before you |
| Name | Matches name on document being notarized |
| Expiration date | Must be current (not expired) |
| Physical description | General match to person |
| Signs of tampering | Document appears authentic |
Expired or Unacceptable IDs
| NOT Acceptable | Reason |
|---|---|
| Expired ID | No longer current |
| Credit cards | Not government-issued |
| Social security cards | No photo |
| Library cards | Not government-issued |
| Employee IDs | Generally not government-issued |
| Damaged/altered IDs | Cannot verify authenticity |
Notary's Discretion
Under RULONA, the notary may:
- Require additional identification if not satisfied
- Refuse to notarize if identity cannot be established
- Request multiple forms of ID
Key: The notary has the final say on whether identity is satisfactorily established.
Journal Requirements for ID
When identity is based on satisfactory evidence, the journal must include:
| Journal Entry | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Method of identification | How identity was verified |
| Type of ID | What document was presented |
| ID terminal numbers | Last 4 digits of license/passport |
| Expiration date | When ID expires |
Privacy Note: The journal may NOT contain full Social Security numbers, full driver's license numbers, date of birth, place of birth, or mother's maiden name.
On the Exam
- Highest form of ID: Personal knowledge
- Acceptable documents: Passport, driver's license, state ID (current/unexpired)
- Expired ID: NOT acceptable
- Notary discretion: Can require additional ID
- Journal: Record method and type of ID used
Under RULONA, which form of identification is considered most reliable?
A signer presents an expired driver's license. What should the notary do?
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of identification for notarization?