What happens if you don't know the signer and they have no acceptable ID?

• A. The document may still be notarized without ID
• B. Verification on oath of a credible witness
• C. The signer must present a different form of ID
• D. The notary must refer to law enforcement

Answer: (B)

When a signer is not personally known to you and has no acceptable ID, you still must establish the signer’s identity by an approved method. The allowed path here is to verify identity through a credible witness, sworn in before you. The credible witness who knows the signer may testify under oath that the signer appeared before you and is the person who signed the document. This sworn testimony provides the notary with a basis to proceed with the notarization in lieu of ID.

This approach is used because a notary can’t certify a signature without establishing identity by recognized means. Simply attempting to notarize without any ID would be inappropriate, and asking for another form of ID isn’t possible if none meets the acceptable standards. Referring the matter to law enforcement isn’t a notary remedy for identity issues in this context.