Answer to Question #39

According to best practice when dealing with documents, what is the recommended action for a Justice of the Peace to take to identify a client?

1. Refuse to administer the document if the client does not possess a current, unexpired form of photo identification. 
2. Be reasonably satisfied as to the identity of the signatory, preferably by sighting photo identification, but never refuse service solely because photo identification is absent. 
3. Ask intrusive questions regarding the client’s address and employment to verify their occupation.
4. Only accept New Zealand driver licenses or passports as valid forms of identification.

Correct Answer: B. Be reasonably satisfied as to the identity of the signatory, preferably by sighting photo identification, but never refuse service solely because photo identification is absent.

Rationale: Although it is best practice to see a form of photo identification (such as a driver licence, passport, Gold Card or 18+ card/Kiwi Access Card), the onus is only to be reasonably satisfied as to the person’s identity. It is explicitly stated that it is not acceptable to refuse to administer a person’s document because they do not have a form of photo identification.