Identification, Personal Appearance, and Verification of Signers
Personal appearance is the line
Minnesota requires the signer to appear before the notary. Appearance means physically present, unless the notary holds separate remote-online authority and follows the registration and technology rules that apply to it. A video call on an ordinary platform, a photograph of an ID, or a signature mailed in is not appearance.
Satisfactory identification
Use personal knowledge or a current government-issued photo ID that bears a signature. Check the photo, name, expiration date, and that the person matches. Compare the name on the ID with the name on the document; a substantial mismatch needs explanation before you proceed. Do not rely on a photocopy or an expired document. If you use another method, confirm the statutory definition of satisfactory evidence first.
Worked example
A signer presents an expired Minnesota driver's license. The notary declines. The signer returns with a current passport; the notary compares the photo and signature, notes the ID type and number in a journal, and completes the certificate. If the signer cannot produce acceptable ID and is not personally known, the notary should not proceed.
Traps
- Notarizing for a signer who stepped out of the room while a spouse signs.
- Accepting an ID with no photo or no signature.
- Filling in a certificate before the signer appears.
- "Verifying" a signature against a signature card without the signer present.