What to Do When Your Signer Has No ID?
We’ve all been there. You arrive at a nursing home or residence, and the signer’s ID has expired 3 years ago. As a new notary, your first instinct is to pack up and leave. But as your mentor, I’m here to tell you: The Credible Witness is your secret weapon.
What is a Credible Witness?
Think of a credible witness as a “Human ID card.” They aren’t witnessing the document’s contents. They are swearing under oath that the signer is who they say they are.
The Mentor’s Checklist for Success:
- The Chain of Knowledge: In many states, the witness must know both the signer AND the Notary. If they only know the signer, you need two witnesses (check your state’s statutes for 2026!).
- The “Paper Trail”: You must record the witness’s ID and have them sign your journal. They are part of the official record.
- The Oath: You must administer a verbal oath to the witness. “Do you solemnly swear that this person is…” This isn’t optional; it’s the heart of the act.
The Lesson: Never “just trust” a family member. Follow the credible witness protocol to the letter to protect your commission.
How will you ensure that you always verify information before acting on it? Comment Below
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