Utah Notary Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of valid identification for notarial services?

1. Student ID

2. Unexpired passport

3. Birth certificate

4. Marriage license

The correct answer is: Unexpired passport

A valid identification for notarial services must confirm the identity of the individual requesting the notary's assistance and typically must contain a photograph, signature, and a degree of official status. An unexpired passport meets all these criteria, as it is a government-issued document that proves identity and citizenship, is recognized nationwide, and includes both a photo and signature. In contrast, a student ID may not be universally accepted as it can vary widely in terms of security features and may not involve a verifiable governmental authority. A birth certificate, while it serves as proof of identity, is not a photographic ID and does not include a signature, which is typically required for notarial services. Similarly, a marriage license serves a specific legal purpose but is not intended for identity verification and lacks essential features required of valid IDs like the signature and photograph. Thus, the unexpired passport stands out as the most appropriate choice for legitimate identification in the context of notarial services.