When should identity verification occur?

• A. Prior to notarizing.
• B. After notarizing.
• C. During the notarization only if requested.
• D. Only if the signer has no ID.

Answer: (A)

Identity verification must happen before the notarial act. A notary is required to obtain satisfactory evidence of the signer’s identity prior to administering an oath, taking a acknowledgment, or otherwise performing the notarization. This step ensures the person signing is who they claim to be and protects the document from fraud. In practice, you check acceptable identification or use approved alternatives and document the method used, then proceed with the notarization. If you can’t establish identity, you may not perform the notarization.

Choices that suggest verifying identity after notarizing, only if requested, or only when there’s no ID are not correct because the notarization hinges on confirming identity first, and verification isn’t optional or conditional on lacking ID.