Can a notary public administer an oath to a person they are not personally acquainted with?

A notary public can indeed administer an oath to a person they are not personally acquainted with, as long as the individual can provide proper identification. This is essential in ensuring the integrity of the notarial act because the notary needs to verify the identity of the person taking the oath to prevent any fraudulent claims or misrepresentation.

Proper identification typically includes government-issued IDs that have a photo and signature, such as a driver's license or passport. This practice upholds the principle of ensuring that the notarial acts are executed with due diligence and accountability.

The requirement for identification allows for flexibility in the notarial process, enabling notaries to serve a broader public without the limitation of needing a personal acquaintance, which helps in facilitating transactions requiring oaths while maintaining the necessary safeguards against fraud.