Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What type of identification is required for a notarization?

1. Social Security card

2. Government-issued photo identification

3. Company ID

4. Birth certificate

The correct answer is: Government-issued photo identification

For a notarization to be valid, the notary public must verify the identity of the signer, and a government-issued photo identification is the most reliable means of doing so. This type of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, provides a clear image of the individual along with their name, signature, and the agency that issued the ID, helping to prevent fraud and ensure that the person is who they claim to be. In contrast, a Social Security card does not include a photograph and cannot adequately verify identity on its own. A company ID may not be universally recognized, lacks standardization, and could lead to doubts about its authenticity since it is not issued by a government authority. A birth certificate, while it does contain identifying information, is not a photo ID and typically cannot be used to verify identity at the time of notarization. Therefore, the requirement for a government-issued photo identification underscores the need for a secure and standardized method of identification to uphold the integrity of the notarization process.