ExamsPracticeResourcesBlogGlossaryUpdates

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut law requires the notary to verify the signer's identity for every notarial act
  • Three methods: personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence (ID), or credible witness
  • The identification must match the name on the document being notarized
  • Your ID may have more name information than the document, but not less
  • Only original documents are acceptable - no photocopies or scanned images
Last updated: January 2026

Identity Verification Overview

Legal Requirement

Under Section 3-94a(9) of the Connecticut General Statutes, when a notary does not personally know the signer, the signer must provide satisfactory evidence of identity.

Three Methods of Identity Verification

MethodDescriptionWhen Used
Personal KnowledgeNotary knows the signer personallyPrior relationship exists
Satisfactory EvidenceTwo forms of acceptable IDMost common method
Credible WitnessThird party identifies the signerNo ID available

Personal Knowledge Defined

Personal knowledge means:

  • Familiarity with an individual resulting from interaction over a period of time
  • Sufficient to eliminate any reasonable doubt that the individual has the identity claimed

Note: Casual acquaintance may not be sufficient. The notary should have genuine familiarity with the person.

Satisfactory Evidence (ID) Defined

Satisfactory evidence means identification based on:

  1. At least two current documents, one issued by federal or state government containing:
    • The individual's signature
    • Either a photograph OR physical description
  2. The second document must be from an institution, business, or government containing at least the signature
  3. OR the oath or affirmation of a credible witness

Name Matching Rule

The identification presented must match the name on the document(s) to be notarized:

ScenarioAcceptable?
ID has MORE name info than documentYes
ID has LESS name info than documentNo
Names match exactlyYes

Example:

  • Document name: "John Smith"
  • ID name: "John Robert Smith"
  • Acceptable - ID has more information

Example:

  • Document name: "John Robert Smith"
  • ID name: "John Smith"
  • NOT Acceptable - ID has less information
Test Your Knowledge

How many forms of identification does Connecticut law require when a notary does not personally know the signer?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

4.2 Acceptable Identification

Continue learning