What is the difference between a credible witness and a regular witness in notary practice?

In notary practice, the distinction between a credible witness and a regular witness is significant for ensuring the integrity of the notarization process. A credible witness is someone who can verify the identity of the signer without the signer needing to provide a government-issued identification. This witness must have personal knowledge of the signer and generally must be physically present during the signing.

This option highlights the role of the credible witness as a means of confirming the identity of the signer, which is critical in scenarios where the signer lacks proper identification or is unable to provide it. The involvement of a credible witness helps maintain the integrity of the notarization while safeguarding against identity fraud.

In contrast, a regular witness does not have a designated role in confirming identity within the framework of notarial law. Their function is typically more passive, as they may simply observe the signing process without the specific responsibility of validating the signer's identity. This is why understanding the functional distinction between these two types of witnesses is essential in notary practice.