List the basic steps for using a credible witness

• A. Identify witness, place witness under oath, record oath in journal, signer signs document (if not already signed), record act in journal (credible witness's name is means of ID), complete doc and seal
• B. Record act in journal, seal the document, sign
• C. Have the signer sign first, then find the witness
• D. Identify signer, photocopy ID, then file away

Answer: (A)

Using a credible witness hinges on a clear sequence that verifies the signer’s identity when ordinary ID isn’t available. Start by identifying a credible witness and making sure they know the signer and that the signer cannot provide satisfactory identification. Next, administer an oath or affirmation to that witness, requiring the witness to testify that they know the signer and that the signer is the person executing the instrument. Record this oath in the notary’s journal. Then have the signer sign the document in the presence of the credible witness (if the signer hasn’t already signed). Afterward, record the notarial act in the journal, including the credible witness’s name and the method used to identify the signer. Finally, complete the document’s notarial certificate and apply the seal. This sequence ensures proper identity verification and a complete, auditable record.

The other options skip or muddle steps—such as omitting or misordering the oath, journal entries, or the signer’s and witness’s roles—or rely on improper ID practices, which would not meet notarial requirements.