A Credible Identifying Witness (aka Credible Witness) is a method of Identity Verification whereby a witness validates another person's identity.
A credible witness is used when the signer does not have a U.S. Social Security number and, therefore, cannot generate Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA) questions.
The methods available for verifying a signer's identity vary, depending on the state in which the notary is commissioned.
ID Verification
Depending on the notary's state requirements, a credible witness must verify their identity in place of the signer by:
- Providing a valid U.S. Social Security number.
- Submitting an ID that passes Credential Analysis.
- Passing the Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA) questions.
- Visually and verbally affirm they can vouch for the signer’s identity once in the meeting.
Stipulations
A credible identifying witness:
- Must join using a separate device from the signer, even if co-located.
- Can join meetings via a web browser using a computer or a mobile device such as a phone. (They cannot join via mobile app.)
- Must pass KBA and Credential Analysis before joining the meeting:
- When they join the meeting, they can view the video feeds but cannot access any documents or tools.
Articles by Audience
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- Notaries: Credible Witness Process for Notaries
- Businesses: Use a Credible Witness to Identify a Signer
- Real Estate: Use a Credible Witness for Real Estate Transactions
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