To enhance your understanding of Notary standards of practice, the NNA presents a real-life Notary case scenario and poses the question: What course of action would you take?
A couple, the husband and wife, reach out to you seeking notarization of their signatures for a condominium purchase. During the meeting, when they request notarization of the wife's signature, she apologizes for not having her official ID but presents a photocopy as an alternative form of identification.
Upon inspecting the photocopy, you observe that the identification details are from 30 years ago and have expired. Furthermore, the signer appears significantly younger than the date of birth indicated on the ID copy, adding to the confusion.
The signers acknowledge the poor quality of the ID photocopy and explain that the outdated information is the reason for the difference in appearance. They inquire whether you would proceed with the notarization despite these circumstances, emphasizing the importance of the purchase to them.
What action would you take?
Do you consider the photocopy sufficient as proof of identity, and is the signer's explanation regarding the outdated copy plausible? Or do the inconsistencies raise concerns? How would you manage this scenario? Would you proceed with the notarization, decline it, or opt for another approach?
Feel free to share your responses in the comments below. Your input may be featured in next week's Bulletin article, where we will provide the recommended response to this notarial dilemma.
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