Acceptable and unacceptable forms of identification for notary in different states

A notary public’s principal responsibility is to check the identification of all parties who sign a document. This is done to prevent forgeries that might render the notarized document null and invalid. As part of the signing process, the notary public will normally require that each signer provide some kind of identification. Notaries are required by law to deny service to anybody who cannot provide proper identity. When it comes to approaching a notary public for their services, what forms of ID can a notary accept?

Accepted and unaccepted forms of identification

A notary public’s responsibilities may seem simple at first glance, but they are essential to ensuring that a document is executed properly and in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations. Among these responsibilities is making sure the paper was signed knowingly and without coercion. The standards for forms of identification for notary are uniform throughout the states and include:

• Valid driver’s license.
• American passport.
• Identity card for the United States Armed Forces.
• Documentation of legal status as a permanent resident (green card).
• ID card issued by the government.

Some examples of forms of ID for notary that may not be accepted include:

• Legal proof of a child’s birth.
• Student I.D.s.
• Bank cards.
• Proof of social security number.

Customers in need of notarial services are expected to provide acceptable ID for notary. In the event that you are unable to provide proper acceptable forms of ID for notary, you may be able to have a reliable third party attest to your identity on your behalf. Someone familiar with the signer of the paper can attest to their identity is considered a reliable witness. However, it’s vital to remember that not all states recognize the testimony of a reliable witness as sufficient evidence of a signer’s identity.

Acceptable forms of ID for notary providing RON

Speaking about what forms of ID can a notary accept for RON it is necessary to admit that notaries in several states who have enacted permanent RON legislation or rules may rely on two common types of identification to establish the signer’s identity who is physically absent or signing documents remotely. These procedures are standard for offline notarizations on paper, but the remote online kind also includes a novel way. Remember that these techniques need either a reliable witness, your own special expertise, or a multi-step procedure to verify your identity.

Acceptable forms of ID for notary in various states

Sometimes people wonder, can a notary accept an expired ID? The response is conditional on the legislation of the state where the notarization will take place. Depending on the state, you may need an “up-to-date” ID, while others, like CA, may accept an expired ID issued within the last five years. Below are listed acceptable forms of identification for notary in different states.

Acceptable forms of ID for notary in Texas

Any form of identification used by a notary in the state of Texas, including a valid photo ID or drivers license, must be valid at the time of the notarization. A picture ID issued by a state or federal government agency with the individual’s photo and signature is required.

Acceptable forms of ID for notary in Florida

In Florida, notarization requires one of three forms of identity. Having first-hand experience or a valid government-issued picture ID are both acceptable alternatives. The third is an affidavit from a reliable witness known both to the notary and the signer.

Acceptable ID for notary in NY 

Acceptable ID for notary must be issued by a legitimate government entity and have a current picture, signature, and detailed description of the holder. Driver’s licenses issued by individual states, U.S. passports, passports issued by other countries, and federal identification cards, for an instance.

Acceptable forms of ID for notary in California

As regards can a notary accept an expired ID in California, all forms of ID for notary must either be currently valid or issued within the previous five years by the appropriate authority. Personal identification of signers is prohibited in California. This indicates that notaries can’t depend on their personal knowledge of signers in order to verify their identities under state law and norms, even if they are familiar with the signers in question.

Use OneNotary to have your documents digitally notarized

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