North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered satisfactory evidence of identification?

1. A government-issued photo ID

2. An oath from a credible witness

3. A social media profile with no verification

4. A passport with the individual's signature

The correct answer is: A social media profile with no verification

Satisfactory evidence of identification is critical for notaries to ensure the identity of the individuals they are serving. Among the options provided, a social media profile without verification is not considered satisfactory evidence of identification. This is primarily because social media profiles can be created easily and often lack formal verification, making them unreliable as a means of identifying someone. In contrast, options such as a government-issued photo ID, an oath from a credible witness, and a passport with the individual's signature all provide a higher level of assurance regarding a person's identity. A government-issued photo ID is recognized as a legitimate form of identification, as it typically includes essential details such as the individual's name, photograph, and sometimes additional identifying information. A passport is also a strongly reliable form of identification, as it is issued by a government and includes a signature, which aids in ensuring that the identity presented matches that of the document. An oath from a credible witness can also serve as satisfactory evidence when the witness is known to the notary and can affirm the identity of the signer. This method hinges on the credibility and reliability of the witness rather than on official documentation. In summary, the credibility and reliability required in a notarial context are what make social media profiles without verification insufficient as evidence