Act as a Credible Identifying Witness – Proof Help Center
The article explains that acting as a credible identifying witness involves verifying your own identity with a government-issued photo ID and partial SSN/ITIN, joining a notarization meeting upon invitation, taking an oath to confirm the signer's identity when they lack standard ID, and then leaving once the notary completes the process.
The short answer: If someone has asked you to be their credible identifying witness, it means they need you to certify their identity during a notarization because they can't complete standard identity verification. This article explains what you need to have ready and what to expect during the process.
Coordinate with the signer ahead of time so you're available and have everything ready when they start their notarization.
What You'll Need
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- The last 4 digits of your U.S. Social Security number or individual tax identification number (ITIN). This must be tied to sufficient records to generate identity verification questions — such as credit history or vehicle registration.
- A device with a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari), plus a working camera, microphone, and speakers.
1. Receive the First Email
Proof sends you an email with the signer's name, a request to act as their witness, and a list of items to have ready.
2. Watch for a Second Email
When the signer is in a meeting with the notary, you'll receive a second email with a link to join. Select the link to begin.
3. Verify Your Identity
Complete the two-step identity verification process: a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) quiz and credential analysis. You verify your own identity — not the signer's.
4. Join the Meeting
After passing verification, you join the meeting on your own device. The notary reviews your ID to confirm your identity.
5. Take the Oath
Take an oath or affirmation before the notary confirming that the signer is who they claim to be but lacks other standard forms of ID.
6. Leave the Meeting
Once the notary confirms your duties are complete, you may leave. You don't need to stay for the rest of the signing session.
Summary Checklist
- Have your photo ID and the last 4 digits of your SSN or ITIN ready before the signer starts their meeting.
- Watch for the second email from Proof — it arrives when the signer is in the meeting and ready for you to join.
- Complete KBA and credential analysis to verify your own identity, then join the meeting.
- Take the oath confirming you know the signer, then leave when the notary releases you.
Still unsure? Contact Proof Support for help.
Related
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To complete an online notarization, you must be at least 18, have six months of credit history, a U.S. address, and a U.S. document intended for use in the U.S., and be prepared with a U.S. SSN or ITIN for identity verification, a government-issued photo ID (and possibly a secondary ID), a valid email, and a device with audio and video capabilities to ensure a secure and compliant live video session.
Capture Selfie Photos for Identity Verification – Proof Help Center
The Proof Help Center explains that Selfie Comparison, an IAL2-compliant biometric verification method, securely verifies a signer's identity by automatically capturing real-time selfies and comparing them to their government-issued ID photos, with guidance on proper lighting, removing accessories, and using a smartphone to ensure clear images, and includes steps like centering the face and looking left and right for enhanced verification, serving as a primary or secondary identity check during the signing process.
Identity Verification Overview – Proof Help Center
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What to Expect During Online Notarization with Proof
The article explains the step-by-step process of online notarization with Proof, detailing how users can start by uploading documents themselves or responding to an invite, then proceed through entering personal information, confirming location, and verifying identity to complete the notarization securely and efficiently.
Selfie Photo Comparison Overview
Selfie photo comparison, also known as biometric verification, is an identity verification method used across all Proof transaction types—Sign, Identify, Verify, and Notarize—where a real-time selfie is matched against a provided photo ID, serving either as the preferred verification method or as a fallback to knowledge-based authentication, with biometric verification accepted for notarizations in Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Credential Analysis – Proof Help Center
The Proof platform uses automated Credential Analysis to securely verify the authenticity of your government-issued ID after Knowledge-Based Authentication, ensuring the ID is valid before you meet with a notary, who also confirms your identity, while addressing common issues like photo quality, data mismatches, expired IDs, and email conflicts to maintain a legally binding and secure transaction.