Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following identification methods is acceptable for notarization?

1. A valid state-issued driver's license

2. A birth certificate

3. A credit card

4. A utility bill

The correct answer is: A valid state-issued driver's license

A valid state-issued driver's license is an acceptable identification method for notarization because it serves as an official form of identification issued by a government authority. This type of ID typically includes the individual's name, photograph, signature, and address, which helps the notary confirm the identity of the signer. The driver's license is widely recognized and considered reliable evidence of identity in legal transactions, making it suitable for the notary's purposes. In contrast, a birth certificate is not a current identification document and does not include a photo, which is essential for verifying identity in notarization. A credit card, while it may contain the individual’s name and possibly a signature, is not a government-issued identification and therefore lacks verification features typically required. A utility bill, although it can show the individual's name and address, does not contain a photo or signature, which diminishes its reliability as a stand-alone identification method for notarization.