A credible witness is used when a signer cannot produce acceptable identification documents. The credible witness personally knows the signer and swears under oath to the signer's identity. California law provides two scenarios (Civil Code §1185):
One credible witness: Permitted only if the notary personally knows the credible witness. The witness must present acceptable ID to the notary and swear an oath identifying the signer.
Two credible witnesses: Required when the notary does not personally know the witnesses. Both witnesses must each present acceptable ID and each take the oath identifying the signer.
A credible witness may not be named as a party to the document being notarized.
Exam Tip: Personal knowledge of the signer is no longer an acceptable basis for identification (eliminated January 1, 2008). A credible witness vouches for the signer's identity — the notary must separately verify the credible witness's identity through ID or personal knowledge.
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