What should be recorded if a credible witness is used?

• A. The witness’s name and address, their relationship to the signer (if any), that they know the signer, and the identification details observed.
• B. Only the witness's name.
• C. The witness's phone number.
• D. The witness's street address.

Answer: (A)

When a credible witness is used, the notary must create a thorough record of who vouched for the signer and how the signer’s identity was established. The strongest entry includes the witness’s full name and address, the witness’s relationship to the signer (if any), a statement that the witness knows the signer, and the identification details observed in the process. This provides a clear, verifiable trail of identity verification and the role of the witness, which helps prevent fraud and protects the integrity of the notarial act. Recording only minimal information—such as just a name, a phone number, or a street address—does not supply the necessary context for accountability or for defending the act if it’s later questioned.