Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

How can a notary identify a minor if no acceptable ID is presented?

1. Oath or Affirmation of a credible identifying witness

2. Notary's personal knowledge

3. Parental consent

4. Court approval

The correct answer is: Oath or Affirmation of a credible identifying witness

A notary can identify a minor without acceptable identification through an Oath or Affirmation of a credible identifying witness. This process involves having a trustworthy individual confirm the identity of the minor, ensuring that the notary can fulfill their duty of verifying identification while maintaining the integrity of the notarial act. When a credible witness presents an Oath or Affirmation, they take on the legal responsibility to attest to the identity of the minor, providing a level of assurance to the notary. This mechanism is particularly important when dealing with minors, as they may not possess conventional forms of identification like a driver's license or state ID. Other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not suffice as primary methods for identifying a minor in the absence of acceptable ID. The notary's personal knowledge is generally applicable for adults whom the notary knows well, but it may not be appropriate for verifying the identity of a minor. Parental consent is important, but it does not inherently provide a means for identity verification. Court approval is typically sought for more serious matters and is not practical or necessary for basic identification needs in a notarial context.