When a Signer Does Not Match Their ID

If a signer’s appearance doesn’t exactly match their ID photo, Notaries should be careful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean fraud is taking place. A person’s appearance can change over time. For more information, visit the Notary Bulletin: bit.ly/NoIDMatch
Features such as hair, weight or wearing glasses are all subject to change. And many people go a long time before updating an ID photo. If you encounter a signer who doesn’t match their ID, you will need to make a layperson’s judgment whether to accept the ID and proceed with the notarization.
Here are guidelines to help you:
1. Check the birthdate on the ID. Does the signer look to be the right age?
2. Compare signer features that are less likely to change - such as ear shape and eye shape - to the photo on the ID.
3. Compare the signer to other description information on the ID. For example, does the signer’s height match the information on the identification document?
You can also ask the signer questions to see if the signer is familiar with information on the ID, such as asking the signer’s birthdate, zip code, or the street number of their address.Some Notaries also ask for a secondary ID when in doubt about a signer’s identity - but be aware this is not permitted in all states.
Ultimately, you must make a reasonable judgment. If you are confident that the signer is not an imposter, then you can proceed with the notarization. However, if you are not convinced the signer is who they say they are, you can and should stop the notarization.
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[@karimaechols6116]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@NationalNotary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nola72]

What if it’s an evil twin attempting to commit fraud over an estate?

[@NationalNotary]

Great question! Whether required by law or not, Notaries in most states may request a thumbprint for their journal. Notaries who exercise this option further protect themselves from liability, in the same way they do when checking signer IDs or making sure that their Notary seal and journal are always secure. In some cases, a simple print analysis might indicate that the signer is, in fact, who they say they are, and a crisis is averted. In other cases, the lines of one’s thumb might reveal an imposter, a cheat, or even a murderous con artist. In the end, recording thumbprints protects everyone.

[@Ctj1580]

What if a person had a gender change

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Christopher! What state are you commissioned in?

[@Ctj1580]

@@NationalNotary florida

[@CoCoFantastique]

If a person undergoes gender change they should get a new ID just as if you have an address change or name change. Your ID should reflect who you are and what you identify as. and you make the adjustments necessary to make sure your ID represents the present you, where you live and your current name.