Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What should a notary do if a signer cannot produce identification?

1. Refusal to notarize is expected

2. Proceed without any verification

3. Request a family member to confirm identity

4. Use personal knowledge of the signer

The correct answer is: Refusal to notarize is expected

A notary should refuse to notarize if a signer cannot produce valid identification. This practice is crucial because proper identification is a key component in a notary's duty to verify the identity of the signer. Identification ensures that the notary is safeguarding against potential fraud and is maintaining the integrity of the notarization process. Notarization without verification puts notaries at risk of liability and jeopardizes the validity of the notarized document. While using personal knowledge of the signer might seem like a viable option, this method does not meet the requirements set forth in Ohio law. Relying on a family member for identification confirmation also fails to fulfill the necessary legal obligation, as the notary must adhere strictly to the identification protocols. Proceeding without verification undermines the entire purpose of the notary's role, which is to act as an impartial witness to the identity of the signer. Therefore, the refusal to notarize when the required identification is not presented is the correct and responsible action for a notary to take.