When checking a signer’s ID, what might a discrepancy between the description and appearance indicate?

A discrepancy between the description on a signer’s ID and their actual appearance is significant as it may indicate potential forgery. If there is a mismatch between how the person appears and the description provided on the identification—like discrepancies in height, weight, age, or physical characteristics—it raises concerns about the authenticity of the ID. This situation suggests that the ID may not truly represent the individual, which could mean that it has been altered or is a completely different person who is attempting to use someone else’s identification. Notaries have a responsibility to ensure that the signer is who they claim to be, and any signs of forgery necessitate further investigation or refusal to proceed with the notarization to uphold legal standards and protect against fraud.