I wouldn't agree that "it needs to match (closely) to the identification being used". Sometimes it should, sometimes it doesn't matter, sometimes it can't.
If the notary is pretty sure the signer is the right person, but slightly uncertain, the ability to sign like it appears on the driver's license might be the extra step that convinces the notary it's the right person. But this signature could be done in the journal; it doesn't have to be that way in the document.
If the person hurt his/her writing hand, that doesn't mean the person forfeits his/her house. The person can sign with the left hand when mortgaging or selling the house. Any doubts about the person's identity could be resolved some other way, such as additional ID documents or credible witnesses.
If it's an enotarization where the person signs by moving moves a finger over a touchpad, that isn't going to look like the DL signature, but it's still legal.
If it's an enotarization where the person signs by typing his/her name with the keyboard, it's legal.
If it was a telegram where the person printed his/her name at the bottom of the telegram form and handed it to the telegraph operator, the telegraph operator sent it with morse code and another operator 1000 miles away wrote it down, the courts have found that was a legal signature. |