What does "personal knowledge of the signer" mean?

The term "personal knowledge of the signer" refers to a notary's direct and personal familiarity with an individual who is signing a document. This means that the notary has formed an established relationship or has had enough interactions with the person to confidently ascertain their identity without needing additional documentation.

Choice A is correct because it emphasizes that the notary relies on their personal relationship with the signer, demonstrating an understanding of the signer’s identity through past experiences rather than solely depending on external documents or evidence.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the concept. Using social media profiles as evidence does not constitute personal knowledge because it does not involve direct interaction or recognition. Relying on documents that are over five years old is generally not advisable for establishing identity, as older documents may not be reliable in confirming current identity. Lastly, assuming trustworthiness based on hearsay undermines the verification process required for a notary, as it lacks the necessary direct knowledge.