What is required if the witness is not known to the notary?

When a witness is not known to the notary, it is essential for the witness to present identification to establish their identity. This requirement is in place to ensure that the notary can verify who the witness is, thereby maintaining the integrity of the notarization process. Identifying the witness helps prevent fraud and ensures that all parties involved are legitimate and verifiable.

While bringing a second witness or paying a fee could be considered in different contexts, they are not requirements specifically tied to the circumstance of a notary needing to verify the identity of an unfamiliar witness. Additionally, stating that an unknown witness cannot be used overlooks the provision that allows for identification to resolve the situation. Thus, presenting valid identification serves as a crucial step in confirming the witness's eligibility and reliability.