Verification of Identity and Signature

One of the most important step in being a notary public is being able to verify the identity and signature of the person in front of you. Per HRS 456 there are five (5) possible ways to identify someone.

These ways are:

1. Personally knowing the signer(s),
2. Use of passport, driver’s license, or government issued non-driver identification card,
3. Use of other government issued photo identification,
4. Verification on Oath or Affirmation of a credible witness,
5. “By requiring the individual to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the notary public of the identity of the individual.”7 Please see HRS 456-1.6 and HRS 456-23

Lets take a closer look at each one of these so you will have a better understanding of one.

Personally knowing the signer:

• In this instance the notary public has close enough personal or professional dealings with to know who the signer is.
• This signer could be a friend, coworker, or relative

Passport, driver’s license, or government issued non-driver identification card:

• Passport, driver’s license, or state ID card
• Is valid or expired no more than three (3) years before the date of the notarial act
• Contains the name of the signer
• Must contain a photograph of the signer
• Must contain the signer’s signature

Other government issued photo identification:

Any other government issued photo identification card or document that:

• Is not a passport or driver license
• Is valid or expired no more than three (3) years before the date of the notarial act
• Contains the name of the signer
• Contain a photograph of the signer
• Contain the signer’s signature

Verification on Oath or Affirmation of a Credible Witness:

• Is an individual that has a personal knowledge of the signer
• Swears or affirms to the identity of the signer
• Is identified by the notary by means of one of
• Personally knowing the credible witness or
• Use of passport, driver’s license, or government issued non-driver identification card that is valid or expired no more than three (3) years prior to the date of the notarial act

“By requiring the individual to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the notary public of the identity of the individual.” (HRS 456-1.6)

If you are uncomfortable with whatever identification the person is presenting you with, you may ask for additional documentation such as a birth certificate or social security card as further evidence of their identity.

It is worth mentioning that the laws state that the identification card or document must contain the signer’s photograph and signature. While the older Military ID cards are valid forms of identification, the new military ID cards and military CAC are NOT a valid forms of identification as they do not contain the signer’s signature and therefore cannot be used as a sole means of verifying the signer’s identity.

Study Tip: Remember the different forms of identification and the requirements for an ID card or document.