New York State Notary Practice Exam

A government-issued photo ID is considered the most reliable form of identification when verifying the identity of a signer. This type of ID, such as a driver's license or passport, includes a photograph of the individual, their name, and other identifying information, which helps ensure that the notary can confirm the individual's identity accurately.

Using a government-issued photo ID supports the notary's role in preventing fraud and ensuring that the documents they are notarizing have been signed by the correct person. Proper identification is critical in notary practice to uphold the integrity of the notarization process.

In contrast, an employee identification card may not provide sufficient verification as it could be easily fabricated or may lack critical identifying details. A Social Security card does not contain a photo or additional identifying features, making it less reliable for identity verification in a notarization context. Finally, while a utility bill can confirm an individual's address, it does not provide photo identification, which is necessary to positively verify who the signer is. Therefore, a government-issued photo ID stands out as the most appropriate choice for identity verification in notary practice.