Utah Notary Practice Test

Which of the following documents is generally not valid for notary identification?

1. Government-issued photo ID

2. Social security card

3. U.S. passport

4. State ID card

The correct answer is: Social security card

A social security card is generally not considered a valid form of identification for notarial purposes because it does not contain a photograph or provide sufficient identifying information on its own. A notary is required to verify the identity of an individual signing a document, and a social security card lacks these essential elements that are typically found in government-issued picture identification. In contrast, a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, a U.S. passport, or a state ID card includes a photograph and other identifying details, making them appropriate and reliable options for a notary to confirm an individual's identity. These documents help ensure that the person signing the document is indeed who they claim to be, which is a fundamental responsibility of a notary.