What Forms of ID Can I Use for Notarization?

Identification notaries commonly accept

• State driver's licence or state identification card
• United States passport or passport card
• Foreign passport, where the state permits it
• Military identification card
• Permanent resident card
• Tribal identification card, where the state permits it

What makes identification acceptable

Most states look for identification that is current, issued by a government body, bears a photograph, includes a physical description or other identifying details, and carries the signature of the bearer. Requirements differ from state to state, which is why the same card may be fine in one place and refused in another.

If your name has changed

If your identification shows a former name, or the document uses a longer or shorter version of your name, contact whoever will receive the document and ask how they want it signed. The notary cannot decide that for you and may decline if the names do not reasonably match.

Credible identifying witnesses

Some states allow a signer without acceptable identification to be identified by one or two credible witnesses who know the signer and can themselves be identified. This is state-specific and at the notary's discretion, so ask before relying on it.