Key Takeaways
- Credible witnesses can vouch for a signer's identity when no ID is available
- One credible witness must be personally known to BOTH the notary and signer
- Two credible witnesses can vouch if notary doesn't know either witness
- Witnesses must take an oath and be disinterested parties
- Witnesses must be properly identified and recorded in the journal
Last updated: January 2026
Credible Witnesses
What happens when a signer doesn't have acceptable ID? Arizona allows the use of credible witnesses to vouch for the signer's identity.
When to Use Credible Witnesses
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Signer has no ID | Use credible witness(es) |
| ID is expired | Use credible witness(es) |
| ID doesn't match appearance | Use credible witness(es) |
| Signer is elderly/homebound | Use credible witness(es) |
Two Options for Credible Witnesses
Option 1: One Credible Witness
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can serve | Someone personally known to BOTH notary and signer |
| Relationship to signer | Can vouch for their identity |
| Relationship to notary | Notary knows and trusts them |
| Interest in transaction | Cannot be named in or benefit from document |
Option 2: Two Credible Witnesses
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can serve | Two people personally known to the signer |
| Notary's relationship | May not know the witnesses |
| Witnesses' IDs | Must be verified with satisfactory evidence |
| Interest in transaction | Neither can be named in or benefit from document |
Credible Witness Requirements
All credible witnesses must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Take an oath | Swear/affirm identity of signer |
| Be disinterested | No financial interest in document |
| Not be named in document | Cannot be a party to the transaction |
| Be identifiable | Provide their own ID (if 2-witness option) |
The Oath for Credible Witnesses
The notary must administer an oath:
"Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you personally know [signer's name] to be the person whose name is on this document, and that to the best of your knowledge [signer's name] is the individual described in and who executed this document?"
The witness must answer "I do" or "Yes" aloud.
Journal Entries for Credible Witnesses
Record in your journal:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Witness name(s) | Full legal name |
| Witness signature(s) | In journal |
| Witness ID (if applicable) | For 2-witness option |
| Oath administered | Note that oath was given |
Who CANNOT Be a Credible Witness
| Disqualified | Reason |
|---|---|
| Named in the document | Has interest in transaction |
| Will receive benefit | Has financial interest |
| Spouse of signer | Too close relationship |
| Business partner in deal | Conflict of interest |
| The notary | Cannot serve dual roles |
On the Exam
Credible witness questions focus on:
- When to use: No ID available
- One witness: Must know BOTH notary and signer
- Two witnesses: Must both know signer; notary verifies their IDs
- Disinterested: Cannot benefit from document
- Oath required: Witnesses must swear/affirm
Test Your Knowledge
If using ONE credible witness to identify a signer, what relationship must the witness have?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Who is DISQUALIFIED from serving as a credible witness?
A
B
C
D