How many credible witnesses do I use?
When do I use a credible witness?
Use credible witnesses if the signer doesn't have identification and is not personally known to the notary. Only use credible witnesses if your state allows it such as:
AZ - (1) Credible "person" that must be known to the notary
CA- (1) witness if the notary knows the witness, or (2) unknown witnesses
FL - (1) witness if the notary knows the witness, or (2) unknown witnesses.
GA- (1) witness if the notary knows the witness, or (2) unknown witnesses.
MA - (1) credible witness that must be known to the notary
MI - (1) credible witness that must be known to the notary
MO - (2) credible witnesses that may or may not be known to the notary
NH - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
NJ - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
NC - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
NV - (1) requires a special acknowledgment form for credible witnesses.
OH - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
OR - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
PA - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
SC- (1) but they don't need to be known to the notary
TN - (2) credible witnesses
VA - Not allowed. No credible witnesses allowed.
UT - (1) credible witness that is known to the notary
WA - (1) Credible witness that must be known to the notary.
We don't have information about other states.
How many witnesses do yo use?
In California, Florida, and Georgia, a notary can use:
(1) credible witness who is known to the notary, and who also knows the signer. This creates a chain of relationships suitable for a notarization. How well should the notary know the credible identifying witness? The notary should have met this person many times and have heard their full name stated by a third party many times. You should know the person in conjunction with others. My arbitrary rule is that you should have met the person and heard their full name eight times to "know" them.
(2) credible witnesses can be used if you don't know the witnesses.
Most other states allow only (1) credible witness, but the witness must be known to the notary and the signer.