4.1 Satisfactory Evidence of Identity

The Statutory Foundation: § 307

Identity verification is the single most-tested concept on the Pennsylvania notary exam, and it flows entirely from one statute: 57 Pa.C.S. § 307 (Identification of individual). Sections 305 (Requirements for certain notarial acts) tells you what you must determine — that the individual appearing before you and signing the record has the identity claimed. Section 307 tells you how you are permitted to make that determination. There are exactly two lawful methods, and no others:

A common exam trap is the answer "vouching by a friend without an oath" or "the notary recognized the name on the document." Neither qualifies. If you cannot satisfy § 307(a) or § 307(b), you cannot proceed — you decline the act.

Personal Knowledge — § 307(a)

The statute defines personal knowledge precisely: a notary has personal knowledge of identity "if the individual is personally known to the notarial officer through dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the individual has the identity claimed." Memorize the phrase "dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty." It is the exam's test, not a vague feeling of familiarity.

• A long-time co-worker, client, neighbor, or relative you interact with regularly satisfies the standard.
• A person you met once at a party, or simply share an office building with, does not — there are no "dealings sufficient" for reasonable certainty.
• Personal knowledge requires no ID at all: if you truly know the signer, you need not ask for a document.

Why personal knowledge is the strongest method

With personal knowledge, you are not relying on a card that could be forged, borrowed, or altered — you are relying on your own direct, repeated experience of the person. That is why exam questions describe it as the highest or most reliable form of identification.

Satisfactory Evidence — § 307(b)

When you do not personally know the signer, you turn to satisfactory evidence. Section 307(b) creates a clear two-tier document hierarchy, and the exam tests the difference between the tiers.

Tier 1 — § 307(b)(1)(i): the primary documents

The controlling words are "current and unexpired." An expired driver's license is not satisfactory evidence under (b)(1)(i), no matter how good the photo. The notary must ask for a different, valid credential or use a credible witness.

Tier 2 — § 307(b)(1)(ii): another government ID

If the signer lacks a Tier 1 document, the statute accepts another form of government identification that is all of the following:

• (A) current;
• (B) contains the signature OR a photograph of the individual; and
• (C) is satisfactory to the notarial officer.

Note the difference: Tier 1 demands a photo ID; Tier 2 will accept a current government ID with either a signature or a photo, provided the notary is satisfied. Examples include certain military or agency IDs. The phrase "satisfactory to the notarial officer" gives you discretion — you may still decline if the document does not convince you.

Discretion, Refusal, and What Is NOT Acceptable

Section 307(c) (Discretion) is the safety valve: "A notarial officer may require an individual to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the notarial officer of the identity of the individual." If one ID leaves you uncertain, you may demand a second document or additional information. You are never forced to accept a credential that fails to convince you.

Documents that do NOT qualify

Journal recording (§ 319 + DOS regulations)

When identity rests on satisfactory evidence, the journal entry includes a brief description of the method and the identification used — the type of ID and (per DOS guidance) typically the last digits of the credential. Privacy rules forbid recording the full driver's license number, full Social Security number, date of birth, place of birth, or mother's maiden name. When identity rests on personal knowledge, the journal simply states that fact.

Exam shortcut: two methods only (personal knowledge / satisfactory evidence); primary IDs must be current and unexpired; secondary tier needs signature or photo and the notary's satisfaction; § 307(c) always lets you ask for more.

Putting § 307 Into Practice

Think of identity verification as a decision tree you run for every signer, every time:

1. Do I personally know this signer under the § 307(a) standard of sufficient dealings? If yes, you are done — proceed.
2. If not, does the signer have a Tier 1 document (passport, driver's license, or government nondriver ID) that is current and unexpired? If yes, inspect it and proceed.
3. If not, does the signer have a Tier 2 government ID that is current, bears a signature or photo, and satisfies you (§ 307(b)(1)(ii))? If yes, proceed.
4. If not, is a qualifying credible witness available under § 307(b)(2)? If yes, take the witness's oath and proceed (covered in 4.2).
5. If none of the above, you cannot establish identity — you decline the act.

Inspecting the document

When you accept a document, actually examine it: confirm the photo matches the person before you, the name matches the document being notarized, the credential is unexpired, and it shows no signs of tampering or alteration. The mere act of accepting a card is not enough — RULONA expects a reasonable inspection, and § 308(a) lets you decline if the photo or signature does not substantially conform to the person.

A key distinction tested on the exam

Identity is about confirming who the person is, not whether the document is true, legal, or in the signer's interest. A notary verifies identity and willingness — never the underlying facts, legality, or wisdom of the transaction. Confusing identity verification with judging the document's content is a frequent wrong-answer pattern.