Can I Get Something Notarized Without an ID?
Updated 2026-09-19
Sometimes, but not always. A notary must be satisfied of your identity. Where a state allows it, that can be done through credible identifying witnesses who know you, or through the notary's own personal knowledge of you. Without one of these, most notaries must decline, and the rules vary by state.
Credible identifying witnesses
Many states permit one or two credible witnesses to identify a signer. The witness must personally know the signer, must usually present their own acceptable identification, and must not have an interest in the document. The notary decides whether to proceed.
Personal knowledge
Some states allow a notary to rely on personal knowledge of the signer built over time. This is not a favour a notary can extend to a stranger, and many notaries avoid it entirely as a matter of practice.
Practical alternatives
- Locate any current government-issued photo identification, including a passport or military card.
- Request a replacement identification card, if the deadline allows.
- Ask the recipient of the document whether an alternative process exists.
- Ask the notary in advance rather than at the appointment, so you do not pay a travel fee for a visit that cannot proceed.
Hospital and facility situations
Identification is a frequent obstacle when a signer is in hospital or a care facility. Family members often know where a passport or licence is kept; retrieving it before the appointment is usually faster than arranging witnesses.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a family member vouch for me?
- Only where the state allows credible identifying witnesses, and usually not if that relative benefits from the document.
- Is online notarization possible without an ID?
- Generally no. Remote online notarization relies on identity proofing and credential analysis of a government-issued identification document.
- Will a notary accept a birth certificate?
- A birth certificate has no photograph, so on its own it is usually not acceptable identification for notarization.
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Read guideNotarization requirements vary by state and document type. A notary public generally cannot give legal advice, choose a document for you, draft a document unless separately authorized, tell you how to complete a form, or explain the legal effect of signing. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or which notarial act is required, ask the agency or person receiving the document, or consult a qualified legal professional.