What is required for a notary to confirm the identity of a principal?

To confirm the identity of a principal, a notary must establish who they are notarizing for to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the notarization process. Personal knowledge refers to the notary having a direct familiarity with the individual based on past interactions, while a credible witness is someone who can vouch for the identity of the principal if the notary does not personally know them. This method is essential because it adds a layer of security and trust to the notarization process, ensuring that the notary is acting on behalf of the correct person and that signatures are authentic.

The other options do not provide adequate means for confirming identity. A notary seal is just a tool used to authenticate documents and does not verify the identity of the individual involved. Witness declarations alone do not suffice to confirm identity without the credible witness meeting certain criteria. Similarly, a written consent from the principal might show agreement but does not inherently validate that the person signing is indeed who they claim to be. This highlights the importance of personal knowledge or a credible witness in maintaining the integrity of notarial acts.