Utah Notary Practice Test

What constitutes satisfactory evidence for a notarization?

1. Photo, signature, and physical description

2. Social security number and address

3. Witness signatures and fingerprint

4. Government-issued ID only

The correct answer is: Photo, signature, and physical description

Satisfactory evidence for a notarization refers to the verification of a person's identity to ensure they are who they claim to be when signing a document. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of multiple forms of identification that provide a clearer picture of the individual's identity. A government-issued identification card typically includes a photograph, signature, and physical description. These elements work together to establish the identity of the signer in a manner that is reliable and trustworthy, which is essential for the valid execution of documents that require notarization. While other options may include some relevant aspects, they do not provide the comprehensive identification required for satisfactory evidence. Relying solely on a social security number or address lacks the necessary visual and physical confirmation of identity. Similarly, while witness signatures and fingerprints can lend some credibility, they do not alone ensure the notary has conducted proper due diligence regarding the signer's identity. A government-issued ID is important, but it must be coupled with the additional elements mentioned to constitute full satisfactory evidence.