Personal Knowledge (Eliminated January 1, 2008)

Prior to 2008, a California notary could establish a signer's identity based on their own personal knowledge of that individual. That option was removed from the law effective January 1, 2008. Every signer must now present satisfactory evidence of identity as defined in Civil Code §1185 — either an acceptable identification document or the oath of a credible witness.

No exceptions apply. The California Notary Public Handbook addresses this explicitly in its Q&A section, using the example of a neighbor known for 20 years: that person must still produce valid identification before a notarization may proceed.

This change frequently trips up people who assume longstanding familiarity substitutes for formal identification — it does not, and has not for over 15 years.

Exam Tip: Exam scenarios regularly include phrases like "the notary has known this client for many years" or "the notary recognizes the signer from the community." These details are deliberate traps. Familiarity carries zero legal weight under current California law. Always require satisfactory evidence of identity.