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3 Facts for California Notaries on how to Identify a Signer

1. California Does Not Allow A Signer To Be Identified Through Personal Knowledge. Signer needs a propper ID.
2. California Notaries Must Identify Signers through propper ID For both Jurats And Acknowledgments
3. Not All Consular IDs Are Acceptable
California Notaries may accept ID cards issued by foreign consulates as proof of a signer’s identity — but there are some restrictions. In order to be accepted, the consular ID must be current or issued in the past 5 years; have a serial or identification number; and contain the signature, photograph and description of the bearer. It’s important to note that the “matricula consular” IDs issued by Mexican consulates do not meet these requirements and cannot be accepted as satisfactory evidence of a signer’s identity in California.

Notarizing Proof Of Life Documents

What Is A Proof Of Life Document?

A "Proof of Life" document or "Life Certificate" is a form used by foreign governments and institutions to qualify pensioners and other beneficiaries living abroad for financial benefits. These forms often include instructions that the document must be presented to a Notary, and sometimes ask the Notary to certify that the person named in the document is currently living.
Can We Notarize A Proof Of Life Document?

Not always. It depends on what it’s asking us to do and the state we are commissioned in. Some proof of life documents simply require the individual named in the document to have their signature notarized with a standard act such as a jurat. If this is the case, we can notarize the signature on the document.

If the document asks to certify that the signer is currently alive, chances are your state law doesn't permit Notaries to do that.

Alternatives For Proof Of Life Documents

If we are unable to perform a notarization for a proof of life document, the signer may be able to have the document notarized at an embassy or consulate of the issuing nation instead. Consular officers are normally authorized to notarize documents related to their home nation.

Inspired from National Notary Association Notary buletin.