What Identification Can a California Notary Accept?
One of the easiest ways to prevent a delayed notary appointment is to confirm the signer’s identification in advance.
California notaries must obtain satisfactory evidence of a signer’s identity. Knowing someone personally—even for many years—is not enough by itself.
Common forms of acceptable identification
Depending on its condition, date, and required identifying information, a California notary may be able to accept:
A California driver’s license
A California identification card
A United States passport or passport card
A driver’s license issued by another state
An identification card issued by another state
A valid foreign passport
A valid consular identification document
A driver’s license issued by an authorized Canadian or Mexican public agency
Certain United States military identification cards
An employee identification card issued by a California state or local government agency
An identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government
Some forms of identification must include a photograph, description of the person, signature, and identifying number.
Can an expired ID be accepted?
Certain identification documents may qualify if they are current or were issued within the previous five years.
That does not mean every expired card will be acceptable. The type of identification, issue date, identifying information, and condition of the card all matter.
Send the notary the type of identification and its issue and expiration dates before the appointment if you are uncertain. For privacy and security, do not text an unrequested photograph containing the identification number.
What usually does not qualify?
The following items generally do not establish identity for a California notarization by themselves:
A Social Security card
A birth certificate
A credit or debit card
A library card
A standard school or employee badge
A photograph or photocopy of an ID
A digital photograph of an identification card
Mail addressed to the signer
A notary must examine qualifying identification—not simply accept a family member’s assurance that the signer is who they claim to be.
Does the name on the ID need to match the document?
The notary must have satisfactory evidence that the person appearing is the person named in the document.
Name differences, missing surnames, nicknames, or recently changed names can create problems. For example, an ID showing less of the signer’s name than the document may not provide sufficient evidence of identity.
If the names differ, contact the notary before the appointment. The notary cannot advise you to alter the document, but advance notice may prevent an unsuccessful visit.
What if the signer has no acceptable ID?
California law permits identity to be established through credible witnesses in limited circumstances. This is not simply a matter of bringing someone who knows the signer.
Credible witnesses must meet specific requirements, provide acceptable identification, take an oath or affirmation, and have no financial interest in or benefit from the document. Depending on the circumstances, one or two credible witnesses may be required.
Contact the notary before arranging witnesses. The notary will need to determine whether the statutory procedure can be used.
Check identification before booking
Before scheduling your appointment:
Locate the signer’s original identification.
Check its issue and expiration dates.
Confirm that the name reasonably corresponds with the document.
Contact the notary about any concerns.
Make sure every person signing has their own acceptable identification.
South Pasadena Mobile Notary travels to homes, offices, hospitals, care facilities, and other locations throughout South Pasadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, San Marino, Arcadia, and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities.
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Identification must be evaluated by the notary at the appointment under applicable California law.
