Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Under what circumstances should a credible identifying witness be used by a Notary?

1. When the signer is personally known to the Notary

2. When the signer is able to provide reliable ID cards

3. When the signer is not personally known to the Notary

4. When the signer provides a photo ID

The correct answer is: When the signer is not personally known to the Notary

When a Notary should use a credible identifying witness is when the signer is not personally known to the Notary. In this situation, the Notary can rely on a credible identifying witness who personally knows both the signer and the Notary to vouch for the signer's identity. This helps ensure that the identity of the signer can be verified in the absence of other reliable forms of identification. Options A and D are not correct because they both suggest scenarios in which the signer can provide personal identification or is known to the Notary, which would negate the need for a credible identifying witness. Option B is also incorrect because relying solely on the signer's ability to provide reliable ID cards would not necessitate the use of a credible identifying witness if the signer is not personally known to the Notary.