Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What constitutes a proper identification of a signer?

1. A phone call from the signer

2. Visual confirmation by the notary

3. A government-issued ID or other accepted form of ID

4. Witness confirmation only

The correct answer is: A government-issued ID or other accepted form of ID

A proper identification of a signer is crucial in notary practice to ensure that the person signing a document is indeed who they claim to be. Government-issued identification or other accepted forms of ID provide the most reliable verification of identity because they typically include important details such as the signer's name, photograph, signature, and often a physical description. This level of documentation helps prevent fraud and ensures that the notary is fulfilling their duties responsibly. While visual confirmation by the notary can be useful, it may not be sufficient on its own without an official form of identification. Relying solely on a phone call from the signer or witness confirmation raises significant concerns about authenticity and does not meet the legal requirements established for notaries. Therefore, the best and most reliable method of confirming a signer's identity is through a government-issued ID or an equivalent form of identification.