Resources > Glossary > Satisfactory Evidence

Glossary of Notary Public, Mortgage, Signing Agent, and Loan Signing Terms.

0-9  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  [S]  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  
Common Terms 1   Common Terms 2

Satisfactory Evidence

Phonetics: sat-is-fac-to-ry ev-i-dence

Function: noun

To notarize a signer's signature, the signer must either be personally known to the notary public, or have their identity proven on the basis of satisfactory evidence. Most notaries do not know their clients well enough to claim that they are "Personally known" to them. Personally known means that you know the person well. Having seen the person once, or a few times does not constitute personal knowledge.

Definition 1:
Sufficient means of identifying a signer which meets criteria set forth by law. Satisfactory evidence would include credible witnesses. A credible witness is a person who knows the signer who is willing to swear under oath as to the identity of the signer. Other satisfactory evidence would include a driver license, passport, or other government issued identification. Identification of signers is critical to the integrity of the notary profession.