Key Takeaways
- Personal knowledge can be used when the notary personally knows the signer
- A credible witness can vouch for the signer's identity when they lack acceptable ID
- The credible witness must be personally known to the notary
- The credible witness cannot have financial interest in the document
- Notaries may require additional identification even when one ID is presented
Last updated: January 2026
Alternative Identification Methods
When a signer cannot produce acceptable photo identification, Oregon law provides two alternative methods for establishing identity.
Method 1: Personal Knowledge
The notary may identify a signer based on personal knowledge when:
- The notary personally knows the individual
- The notary is certain of the person's identity
- The relationship is documented in the journal
Personal Knowledge Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certainty | Notary must have no doubt about identity |
| Prior relationship | Must know the person from previous dealings |
| Documentation | Record basis for knowledge in journal |
What qualifies as personal knowledge:
- Long-term acquaintance
- Regular business dealings
- Family relationship (but be cautious of conflicts)
What does NOT qualify:
- Just met the person today
- "They seem trustworthy"
- Another person vouches informally
Method 2: Credible Witness
When the signer lacks acceptable ID and the notary does not personally know them, a credible witness may vouch for identity.
Credible Witness Requirements
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Known to notary | Notary must personally know the witness |
| Knows the signer | Witness must personally know the signer |
| No financial interest | Cannot benefit from the transaction |
| Not a party | Cannot be named in the document |
| Identified | Witness must present acceptable ID |
| Takes oath | Witness must swear to the signer's identity |
Credible Witness Process
- Witness presents acceptable ID to notary
- Witness takes oath that they know the signer
- Witness confirms signer's identity
- Notary records witness information in journal
- Proceed with notarial act
Credible Witness Restrictions
The witness must NOT be:
- A party to the document
- A beneficiary of the document
- Related to the transaction financially
- Named in the document in any capacity
Notary's Right to Require Additional ID
Even when acceptable ID is presented, the notary may require additional identification if:
- The photo appears altered
- Information seems incorrect (birthdate, height, etc.)
- Signature doesn't match
- The notary has reasonable suspicion
| Red Flag | Appropriate Action |
|---|---|
| Photo looks tampered | Request additional ID |
| ID looks fake | Refuse to notarize |
| Person doesn't match photo | Refuse to notarize |
| Signature doesn't match | Request another form of ID |
| Conflicting information | Ask clarifying questions |
When to Refuse
A notary should refuse to perform the notarial act if:
- Identity cannot be satisfactorily established
- Reasonable suspicion of fraud exists
- The signer appears incapacitated
- Coercion is suspected
On the Exam
- Personal knowledge: Notary must be certain of identity
- Credible witness: Must be known to notary, know signer
- No financial interest: Witness cannot benefit from document
- Right to refuse: Notary can decline when suspicious
Test Your Knowledge
What is required for a credible witness to identify a signer?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A person presents valid ID, but you notice the photo appears to have been tampered with. What should you do?
A
B
C
D