Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What is required for personal knowledge verification?

1. Frequent casual encounters

2. Long-term interactions with reasonable certainty

3. Knowledge based solely on reputation

4. Short introductions or meetings

The correct answer is: Long-term interactions with reasonable certainty

The requirement for personal knowledge verification is fulfilled through long-term interactions that allow for reasonable certainty about a person's identity and credibility. This means that a notary public should have established a familiarity with the individual through consistent and meaningful engagement over time. Such interactions provide a solid foundation to affirm that the notary can confidently assert the identity of the individual without needing additional identification documentation. Frequent casual encounters do not suffice for personal knowledge verification because they lack depth and context, preventing the notary from thoroughly understanding the person's identity and integrity. Knowledge based solely on reputation also falls short, as it does not establish a personal and direct verification of the individual’s identity. Additionally, short introductions or meetings may not provide the necessary insight or familiarity required to affirm a person’s identity with to the level of assurance needed for notarization.