North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What type of identification is suitable for notarization and is intended for travel purposes?

1. Valid Passport

2. Social Security Card

3. Credit Card

4. Student ID

The correct answer is: Valid Passport

A valid passport is suitable for notarization and intended for travel purposes because it is a government-issued identification document that verifies the identity and citizenship of an individual. It includes essential information such as the individual's name, photograph, and signature, which helps to establish their identity in a clear and recognizable manner. Passports are widely accepted by notaries because they contain advanced security features that make them difficult to forge, ensuring that the individual presenting the document is who they claim to be. This high level of authenticity is crucial in notarization, where the integrity of the identification is paramount for preventing fraud and ensuring legal validity. In contrast, the other options lack the same level of credibility and acceptance for notarization. A social security card does not have a photo and may not adequately verify identity in the context of a notarial act. Similarly, a credit card may include a person's name, but it is not a government-issued document and often lacks sufficient security features. A student ID, while it may serve to identify a person within a school context, typically does not meet the rigorous standards required for official notarial identification as it does not provide enough assurance of identity for legal transactions.