ID Requirements
What Identification Is Required for Notarization? Complete ID Guide
The number one reason notarizations fail at the appointment is inadequate identification. You need a valid, government-issued photo ID that meets your states notary law requirements. Heres exactly what qualifies, what doesnt, and what to do if you dont have standard ID.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
Notaries in Georgia and Florida . and throughout the United States . can accept the following forms of identification, provided they are current (not expired) and contain a photograph and signature:
State-Issued Drivers License
The most common form of ID used for notarization. Must be current and issued by any U.S. state or territory. Temporary paper licenses without a photo are generally not accepted on their own.
State-Issued Identification Card
Non-driver state ID cards issued by the DMV or equivalent agency. Same rules as drivers licenses . must be current with photo.
U.S. Passport or Passport Card
A valid U.S. passport is universally accepted for notarization. Passport cards are also acceptable. A foreign passport may be accepted if it meets the same criteria . photo, signature, and current validity.
Military Identification Card
Active duty, reserve, and dependent military IDs issued by the U.S. Department of Defense are acceptable. Must be current.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. permanent resident cards with photo are acceptable identification for notarization.
Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa or Entry Stamp
May be accepted at the notarys discretion if it contains a photo and signature. Many notaries will accept a current foreign passport.
ID Verified by Credible Witness
If you lack any of the above IDs, some states allow notarization through a 'credible witness' . someone who personally knows both you and the notary, and who swears to your identity.
IDs That Are NOT Acceptable
Expired IDs
An expired drivers license, passport, or any ID past its expiration date cannot be accepted. No exceptions.
Social Security Card
No photo, no physical description . not acceptable as primary ID.
Birth Certificate
Proves identity but lacks a photo and signature . not acceptable on its own. May be used as a supporting document with other ID.
Credit Cards or Debit Cards
May show your name but are not government-issued identification.
Work or School ID
Not government-issued . generally not acceptable unless accompanied by a credible witness.
Photocopies of ID
A photocopy or photograph of an ID on your phone is not acceptable. The notary must see the physical ID.
Library Cards, Membership Cards, Insurance Cards
Not government-issued identification. None of these are acceptable.
Special Situations
What If I Just Moved and My ID Shows a Different Address?
The address on your ID doesnt need to match your current residence. Notaries verify your identity, not your address. A drivers license with an old address is fine as long as its not expired and has your photo.
What If My Name Changed (Marriage, Divorce)?
If the name on your ID differs from the name on the document youre signing, the notary may need to see supporting documentation . typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document. Bring it with you if your names dont match.
What If Im in the Hospital Without My ID?
This is common. The hospitals patient identification system (wristband plus hospital records) may be used as supporting identification, but a family member should retrieve your government ID if possible. Our notaries can advise on acceptable alternatives based on the specific situation.
What If the Signer Is Elderly and Has No Current ID?
Elderly signers who no longer drive may lack a current drivers license. Options include obtaining a state ID card (available at any age from the DMV), using a valid passport, or . in some states . using credible witnesses who personally know the signer.
The Most Important Rule
Bring your physical, current, government-issued photo ID to the notarization appointment. Do not sign the document before the notary arrives. If these two things are done, your notarization will almost certainly go smoothly. If either is missing, the appointment will be rescheduled.