When might a notary need to rely on a credible witness?

A notary may need to rely on a credible witness when the signer cannot present an acceptable identification document. In situations where a signer does not have proper ID, utilizing a credible witness can help establish the signer's identity. The credible witness must be personally known to the notary and should be able to affirm the identity of the signer based on their own personal knowledge.

This process ensures that the notarization can still occur even in the absence of standard identification documentation. To maintain the integrity of the notarization process, it is essential to have someone who can vouch for the signer's identity, thereby giving the notary confidence in proceeding with the notarization. The option regarding a false ID does not apply because it suggests an issue with the validity of the identification itself rather than a lack of it. Similarly, if the notary is unsure about the reason for notarization, they would typically seek clarification rather than invoking the use of a witness. Lastly, a signer's nervousness is not a valid reason to call upon a credible witness; nervousness alone does not undermine the need for identification.