Identification FAQs

How do you determine if ID is acceptable for notarization?

Some states specify the types of ID a Notary may accept to identify a signer, but many states leave the determination of an ID suitability up to the Notary.

Suppose the state does not specify what ID signers may use. In that case, the NNA recommends that Notaries ask for identification documents issued by the state or federal government that contain a photograph, a physical description, and the bearer's signature. These elements provide a basis for comparison with the physical appearance and signature of the person requesting the notarization.

What are the acceptable forms of identification for Notary services?

• State-issued driver license
• State-issued identification card
• U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State
• U.S. military ID
• State, county, and local government IDs
• Permanent resident card, or green card, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services*
• Foreign passport*
• Driver license officially issued in Mexico or Canada*

*Only in some states.

Although these are commonly accepted forms of ID, each state may have different requirements. Be sure to familiarize yourself with and follow your state laws addressing acceptable signer identification.

Can Notaries accept an expired license as a form of ID?

The answer depends on the state laws where the notarization is taking place. Some states require current IDs, while others accept expired IDs if their issuance happened within the past five years. Because the laws in many states do not specify whether an ID has to be current, valid, or unexpired, the NNA recommends accepting unexpired IDs as a professional best practice.

If you live in a state that does not accept expired ID, there may be alternative methods of identifying a signer that your state does allow, such as using a credible witness. Please read our home page, the Acceptable Identification section, for more detailed information about whether an expired ID is acceptable in your state.

What if the signer's ID looks suspicious?

Getting a high-quality fake ID is easier than ever before, which makes spotting a phony ID more difficult. However, there are warning signs that notaries can look out for. If a photo does not closely resemble the signer or the card in any way looks altered, it will be considered a red flag, and the card will need thorough inspection. Notaries will ensure the photo and physical description match the signer and confirm all of the security measures in the state where the notarization takes place are included on ID cards and are present, too. Sometimes, if ID looks suspicious, notaries may check for state-specific watermarks and security features in a document-checker guide for ID authentication.

Not all of these warning signs mean notaries deal with an impostor. People often change their names, gain or lose weight, cut or dye their hair, and some have had cosmetic surgery or gender reassignment surgery. 

What if there is a name discrepancy?

Occasionally, the Notary will have situations where to notarize a document whose signature differs from the name on the signer's current identification document. The name discrepancy refers to an unusual circumstance. People commonly change their names legally due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons. Some also use casual or formal variations of their names in different circumstances.

In cases where the document name and ID name do not agree, the Notary will either: 

1) determine if the difference is acceptable; 

2) have the signer provide additional identification; 

3) have the signer sign by an AKA (also known as) process or

4) To be used a credible identifying witness who knows the signer under the name written on the document. 

The signer may need supplemental IDs to support the primary ID and supply valuable information. Supplemental IDs alone, however, are never the basis for identifying a stranger. Such ID may or may not contain a photograph, but it usually has at least the bearer's signature. Examples of supplemental IDs are Social Security cards, credit cards, or other IDs not allowed as primary IDs in your state. The signer should inquire about the appropriateness of this solution. If none of these solutions is satisfactory, then the Notary may have to refuse to perform the notarization.

What if the signer does not have identification?

A recent survey by the Brennan Center for Justice revealed that millions of American citizens, including minors, the elderly, minorities, low-income, and homeless people, do not have government-issued ID. When a signer does not have an acceptable ID or the notaries are uncertain about it, they can check their state laws regarding credible witnesses as a means of identification. Learn more>>

What types of ID are not acceptable?

Generally speaking, Social Security cards, birth or marriage certificates, credit cards, school IDs, library cards, and temporary driver's licenses are unacceptable forms of ID for notarization purposes.

While some states are very strict about what forms of ID to use, and others have general ID rules, many states leave it up to the Notary's judgment. Before making a decision, the notaries consider they should be able to defend their notarization in the future.

 The National Notary Association