A Credible Witness in the Notary Process

A credible witness is an integral part of the notary process. It does a very essential role of validating the identity of individuals in court documents. Especially when they can’t do that through usual procedures. A credible witness, as it relates in notary practice, is one who may testify as to a signer’s identity based on personal knowledge or through other good and sufficient sources. The witness’ role is central in ensuring the genuineness of the notarized documents and that all the concerned parties are acting voluntarily and with the requisite legal status. Further information regarding notarial duties and obligations can be learned by visiting the New York Department of State.

Definition and Importance

Attesting witness means an individual who personally knows the individual whose identity must be verified. They must be able to provide testimony that they know the individual. And, that the individual is who he or she claims to be. When an individual cannot provide an ID (i.e., driver’s license or passport), a notary public can use a credible witness to verify the identity of the person.

Qualifications of a Credible Witness

The notary public may not always have the ability to accept anyone at all as a credible witness. The witness must have qualifications to ensure their reliability:

Personal Knowledge of the Signer: A reliable witness must have personal knowledge of the person whose identity is being attested. This knowledge is enough to confirm that the person is who he or she claims to be.

No Interest in the Transaction: The credible witness should have no direct interest in the transaction or document. This makes the witness unbiased and not prejudiced. Furthermore, their statement is not influenced by any potential benefit from the notarization. This impartiality guards against fraud and makes the process of notarization moral.

Ability to Take an Oath:

The witness, a credible witness in this instance, should have the competence to take an oath and give accurate, truthful evidence. The witness can swear or take an oath under penalty of perjury to assert that the signatory in front of him/her is who they say they are, thereby supporting the validity and integrity of the notarization process. Perhaps you will consider reading our Administration of an Oath article.

Identification of Their Own:Occasionally, credible witnesses themselves must provide some form of identification, such as a government ID. This is to establish their identity and that they are who they say they are. The notary public may record the witness’s identification information, including the type of ID presented and the number, as part of the record. . Best practice is also to have the client sign your notary journal at all times.

Compliance to State Laws:

The witness, a credible witness in this instance, should have the competence to take an oath and give accurate, truthful evidence. The witness can swear or take an oath under penalty of perjury to assert that the signatory in front of him/her is who they say they are, thereby supporting the validity and integrity of the notarization process.

Conclusion

A proper witness is an important part of the notarization process. It helps verify the identity of a signer, and the document then becomes legal and valid. Their services come in handy when the document’s signer lacks valid identification. When a witness is acquainted with the signer and impartial to the transaction, then the notary checks that all parties involved are properly identified. Thus, that the notarization lends integrity. The conditions of a credible witness are clear. They emphasize the aspect of personal knowledge, impartiality, and the ability to take an oath. The use of credible witnesses provides an added level of security. It also lends legitimacy in the notarization process, which further increases the confidence in legal and financial transactions.