What must a Notary Public do to authenticate a person’s identity?

To authenticate a person’s identity, a Notary Public must verify their government-issued identification. This process typically involves inspecting a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport to ensure that the identification is current, not expired, and adequately verifies the identity of the signer. The government ID serves as a reliable proof of identity, as it contains a photo and includes identifying information such as the person's name, address, and date of birth, making it easier for the notary to confirm that the individual is who they claim to be.

The importance of using a government-issued ID lies in its recognized reliability in establishing identity, which is essential for the notarial process. This step is critical in preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the notarization.

Collecting personal information does not serve as a method of authentication by itself, as it may not provide verified proof of identity. Asking personal security questions can be useful in certain scenarios but is not a standard procedure for notaries in California. Conducting a criminal background check goes beyond the scope of identity verification required for notarization and is not a typical responsibility of a notary.