What does "personal knowledge of the signer" mean in the context of remote notarization?

"Personal knowledge of the signer" in the context of remote notarization refers to the notary's direct familiarity with the signer based on prior interactions or experiences. This means that the notary has had sufficient communication or engagement with the signer in the past, allowing them to confidently identify the individual without requiring further identification verification processes.

This understanding is crucial for notaries because it establishes a level of trust and accountability during the notarization process, ensuring that the signer is who they claim to be. The correct choice highlights the importance of direct encounters, which can provide a personal context that enhances the notary's ability to verify the identity of the signer effectively.

Other options do not fulfill the criteria for personal knowledge. For instance, recognizing someone from media does not establish a personal relationship or assurance of identity; knowing a signer through family does not equate to reliable personal knowledge needed for notarization; and email verification lacks the personal interaction element that builds trust between the notary and the signer.