Why is it important to view an individual's state ID even if they are personally known to you?

Viewing an individual's state ID is crucial for documenting the identification type in your notary journal. This practice ensures that you have a clear record of how you verified the person's identity, which is a fundamental part of the notarial process. Proper documentation protects both the notary and the signer by providing a verifiable trail of the identification used during the notarization. It establishes professionalism and adherence to legal requirements, additionally helping to prevent instances of fraud or misidentification.

While checking for age, security features, or signature style may have their own importance, the primary responsibility of the notary is to accurately document the identification presented. This record can be essential should any questions arise about the notarization in the future, as it enhances the reliability and integrity of the notarial act performed.