Pennsylvania Notary Public Practice Exam 2025 - Free Notary Public Practice Questions and Study Guide

Personal Knowledge identification refers to the familiarity that a notary public has with the signer based on interactions that help the notary confirm the identity of the individual. For identification to be reliable, it is essential that the notary has an established relationship with the signer that demonstrates an understanding of their identity over time. This typically means that the notary has known the individual in a professional or personal context for an extended duration.

Having knowledge of the signer over a long period allows the notary to ensure that they can recognize the individual and can vouch for their identity with greater confidence. Such an extended acquaintance allows the notary to observe changes in the individual's appearance or personal circumstances, further enhancing their ability to confirm their identity.

In contrast, brief interactions or a one-time event may not provide sufficient basis for establishing personal knowledge, as recognition might not be reliable. Similarly, a variety of situations does not inherently imply a long-term familiarity, as those encounters could lack depth in the relationship necessary for effective identification. Therefore, the requirement for Personal Knowledge identification emphasizes a sustained relationship rather than just transient or varied encounters.