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Key Takeaways

  • Maine notaries can identify signers through personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence (ID), or credible witness
  • Personal knowledge means the notary personally knows the signer's identity
  • Satisfactory evidence includes current government-issued photo identification
  • A credible witness can vouch for the signer's identity when no ID is available
  • The notary must document the method of identification used
Last updated: January 2026

Methods of Identification

Proper identification of signers is one of the most critical duties of a notary public. Maine law provides three acceptable methods.

Three Methods of Identification

MethodWhen to UseRequirements
Personal KnowledgeYou personally know the signerMust have personal relationship or acquaintance
Satisfactory EvidenceMost common methodValid government-issued photo ID
Credible WitnessSigner has no acceptable IDWitness must know signer and be identifiable

Method 1: Personal Knowledge

Personal knowledge means you personally know the signer's identity based on prior interactions or relationship.

Requirements for Personal Knowledge

  • You must personally know the signer (not just recognize them)
  • Cannot rely on someone else telling you who they are
  • Appropriate when you have an established relationship

Examples of Personal Knowledge

AcceptableNot Acceptable
Family member you know wellSomeone who "looks familiar"
Long-time friendPerson introduced by someone else
Regular client you've known for yearsFirst-time client with no ID
Co-worker you interact with regularlyName badge or uniform

Method 2: Satisfactory Evidence (ID)

Satisfactory evidence means identification credentials that provide reasonable certainty of the signer's identity.

Government-Issued Photo ID Requirements

RequirementDetails
PhotoMust include photograph of holder
Issued byGovernment agency (federal, state, foreign)
CurrentNot expired at time of notarization
Matches signerName and photo match the person present

Examples of Acceptable IDs

TypeIssuing Authority
Driver's licenseState DMV
State ID cardState DMV
U.S. PassportU.S. Department of State
Military IDU.S. Armed Forces
Passport cardU.S. Department of State
Foreign passportForeign government
Permanent resident cardU.S. Citizenship and Immigration

Generally NOT Acceptable

DocumentWhy Not
Birth certificateNo photo
Social Security cardNo photo
Credit cardsNot government-issued, no photo
Expired IDNo longer current
Student IDNot government-issued
Work ID/badgeNot government-issued

Method 3: Credible Witness

When the signer has no acceptable ID, a credible witness may vouch for their identity.

Credible Witness Requirements

RequirementDetails
Personal knowledgeWitness must personally know the signer
IdentifiableNotary must be able to identify the witness
Oath/affirmationWitness must swear/affirm signer's identity
DisinterestedShould not have interest in transaction

How It Works

  1. Signer appears without acceptable ID
  2. Credible witness appears with the signer
  3. Notary verifies witness identity (personal knowledge or ID)
  4. Witness takes oath/affirmation about signer's identity
  5. Notary proceeds with notarial act

Identifying the Credible Witness

The notary must identify the credible witness through:

  • Personal knowledge of the witness, OR
  • Witness's government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, state ID)

On the Exam

Key points:

  • Three methods: Personal knowledge, ID, credible witness
  • Photo ID required: Must be government-issued with photo
  • Current ID: Must not be expired
  • Credible witness: Must be identifiable by notary
Test Your Knowledge

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of identification for notarization in Maine?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

A signer appears without any identification. What alternative method can be used to verify their identity?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

4.2 Examining Identification Documents

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