Accepted forms of ID for notarizing legal documents typically include government-issued photo identification such as passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards. These documents must be current, unexpired, and contain a clear photograph and signature of the individual. Some jurisdictions may also accept military IDs or permanent resident cards, but it is essential to verify specific requirements with the notary beforehand.
What Forms of ID are Accepted for Notarizing Legal Documents?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | State-Issued Driver’s License | State-issued driver's licenses are widely accepted forms of identification for notarizing legal documents due to their verifiable photo, signature, and personal information. They meet official notarization requirements by confirming identity and residency within the issuing state. |
| 2 | State-Issued Identification Card | State-issued identification cards commonly accepted for notarizing legal documents include driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These IDs must be current, government-issued, contain a photograph, and include the holder's full name and date of birth to verify identity during notarization. |
| 3 | U.S. Passport | A U.S. Passport is a widely accepted form of identification for notarizing legal documents, providing a reliable and government-issued proof of identity and citizenship. Its biometric features and tamper-resistant design enhance security and facilitate the verification process during notarization. |
| 4 | Foreign Passport (with U.S. visa or I-94, if required) | Foreign passports accompanied by a valid U.S. visa or an I-94 arrival/departure record are accepted forms of identification for notarizing legal documents, ensuring compliance with state-specific notarization laws. These documents confirm the signer's identity and legal entry into the United States, which is essential for the notary's verification process. |
| 5 | U.S. Military ID Card | A U.S. Military ID Card is widely accepted as a valid form of identification for notarizing legal documents due to its government-issued status and secure authentication features. This type of ID provides reliable proof of identity, essential for notarization processes requiring verification of the signer's identity. |
| 6 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, are widely accepted forms of identification for notarizing legal documents due to their authenticity and government-issued status. They provide reliable proof of identity and residency, meeting the stringent requirements set by notaries to validate signatures on legal paperwork. |
| 7 | Tribal Identification Card | Tribal Identification Cards issued by federally recognized Native American tribes are accepted as valid forms of ID for notarizing legal documents, meeting the same verification standards as state-issued driver's licenses or passports. These cards typically include the holder's photograph, signature, and tribal affiliation, ensuring the notary can confirm the identity and authenticity required for notarization. |
| 8 | Employee ID Card (government-issued, if allowed by state law) | Government-issued employee ID cards are accepted forms of identification for notarizing legal documents in states where allowed by law, provided they contain a clear photo, signature, and relevant personal details. Notaries must verify the authenticity of these ID cards according to state-specific regulations to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. |
| 9 | Consular Identification Card | The Consular Identification Card (CID) is widely accepted as a valid form of identification for notarizing legal documents, especially for individuals lacking traditional government-issued IDs like a passport or driver's license. Issued by a foreign consulate, the CID verifies the identity and nationality of the cardholder, facilitating notarization processes in jurisdictions that recognize this form of ID. |
| 10 | Inmate Identification Card (issued by prison/jail, if allowed) | For notarizing legal documents, acceptable forms of identification commonly include government-issued IDs such as passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards, while inmate identification cards issued by prison or jail facilities may be accepted only if the notary and local laws explicitly permit their use. Verification requirements often vary by jurisdiction, so confirming acceptance of inmate ID cards with the specific notarizing authority is essential to ensure compliance. |
| 11 | Government-Issued Photo ID (e.g., city or county ID, if accepted by state) | Accepted forms of government-issued photo ID for notarizing legal documents typically include state driver's licenses, state identification cards, U.S. passports, and sometimes city or county IDs if recognized by the specific state's notary regulations. Notaries must verify that the ID is current, contains a clear photo, and includes the signer's signature to ensure proper identity authentication. |
| 12 | Canadian Driver’s License | A Canadian Driver's License is widely accepted as a valid form of identification for notarizing legal documents due to its government-issued verification of identity and photo ID features. It confirms the holder's name, date of birth, and residential address, meeting the essential requirements for notarization processes. |
| 13 | Mexican Matricula Consular Card (if permitted by state) | Accepted forms of identification for notarizing legal documents often include government-issued IDs such as passports, driver's licenses, and state IDs, with some states permitting the Mexican Matricula Consular Card as valid proof of identity. Verification requirements vary by jurisdiction, making it essential to confirm if the Matricula Consular Card is accepted to ensure compliance with state-specific notary laws. |
Overview of Acceptable Identification for Notarization
Notarizing legal documents requires valid identification to verify the signer's identity. Acceptable forms of ID ensure the process is secure and legally binding.
- Government-issued photo ID - Includes passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards that contain a clear photo and signature.
- Military identification - Military ID cards are accepted due to their strict issuance standards and official status.
- Permanent resident cards - Green cards provide valid proof of identity for notarization purposes.
Using accepted IDs prevents fraud and confirms the authenticity of legal document signers.
Government-Issued Photo IDs
Government-issued photo IDs are the primary forms of identification accepted for notarizing legal documents. These IDs provide verified personal information and a clear photograph to confirm the identity of the signer.
Common accepted IDs include driver's licenses, state identification cards, and passports issued by federal or state authorities. These documents must be current and contain a recognizable photo for the notary to verify identity effectively.
Passport as Proof of Identity
When notarizing legal documents, a variety of identification forms are accepted to verify your identity. A passport is widely recognized as a reliable and government-issued proof of identity for this process.
- Passport as International Identification - Passports are accepted globally and provide a standardized form of identity verification for notaries.
- Government-Issued Validity - Passports are issued by national governments, ensuring authenticity and reducing the risk of forgery during notarization.
- Includes Personal Information - Passports contain critical personal details such as your photograph, full name, date of birth, and signature, which are essential for notarizing documents.
Driver’s Licenses and State IDs
Driver's licenses are widely accepted forms of identification when notarizing legal documents, as they provide a reliable verification of the signer's identity. State-issued IDs serve as an alternative for individuals without a driver's license, offering the same level of authenticity and security. Both forms must be current, government-issued, and include a clear photo and signature to comply with notary requirements.
Military Identification Cards
What forms of ID are accepted for notarizing legal documents? Military Identification Cards are widely recognized as valid proof of identity. They provide essential verification due to their government-issued status, ensuring a smooth notarization process for your documents.
Permanent Resident and Green Cards
Accepted forms of ID for notarizing legal documents include government-issued identification such as Permanent Resident Cards and Green Cards. These IDs must be valid, unexpired, and contain a clear photo and signature. You should present your Permanent Resident or Green Card to verify your identity during the notarization process.
Consular Identification Cards
Consular Identification Cards are accepted forms of ID for notarizing legal documents in many jurisdictions. These cards are issued by foreign consulates to their nationals residing abroad, providing a valid form of identification.
You can use Consular Identification Cards when other forms of ID are unavailable, as they verify identity and residency. Notaries often recognize these cards as credible, especially for individuals without access to state-issued IDs or passports. It is important to check the specific requirements of your state or notary service before relying on this form of identification.
Non-Driver Photo Identification
Non-driver photo identification is widely accepted for notarizing legal documents. Your valid non-driver ID must be current and government-issued to meet notarization requirements.
- State-Issued Identification Card - A government-issued photo ID provided by the state's motor vehicle or licensing agency serves as an official form of identification.
- Passport - A valid passport from your country of citizenship is accepted as a primary form of non-driver photo ID for notarization.
- Military Identification Card - Active duty or retired military personnel can use their military ID cards as acceptable photo identification for notarizing documents.
Expired vs. Valid Identification Documents
Notaries require valid forms of identification to verify the identity of individuals signing legal documents. Accepted IDs typically include government-issued photo identification such as passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards.
Expired identification documents are generally not accepted because they do not provide current verification of identity. Valid IDs must be unexpired and clearly show the individual's photo, full name, and date of birth for notarization purposes.
What Forms of ID are Accepted for Notarizing Legal Documents? Infographic
