Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam 2026 – All-In-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

A Notary Public can ensure the validity of a signer’s identification by examining the ID for expiration and authenticity. This involves checking that the identification is not expired and verifying features that indicate it is genuine, such as security symbols, holograms, or other characteristics that are typically present on legitimate IDs. An expired ID would not be valid for notarization as it signals that the identification is no longer current and may question the identity of the signer.

While taking a photo of the ID can serve as a record of the identification, it does not in itself confirm the identity's validity at the time of signing. Checking the ID against a reference might help in some situations, but it's generally less reliable since it may not confirm the ID's authenticity or whether it is still valid. Similarly, using a digital verification tool can offer additional confirmation for specific types of identification but cannot wholly replace the need for thorough physical examination right in front of the notary. Thus, examining the ID for both expiration and authenticity is the most direct method for ensuring the validity of the signer’s identification.