Valid Government Issued Identification – What is it, and why you need it for a notarization.

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 A California notary must have a valid government issued ID in order to perform a notarization.

graphic of generic driver's licenses

Government issued ID is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s a form of identification issued by a government entity. The most common forms are US state issued driver’s license, a state ID card, and a US passport.

Other forms of acceptable identification are:

  • Military ID

  • Canadian, and Mexican driver’s license

  • Foreign passport

  • Inmate ID card

Acceptable ID for a California notary must be valid, meaning it must not be expired. The ID must have a photo of the individual, a physical description, signature, issue and expiration dates, and government issued identifying number. Social security cards are not acceptable.

Your ID must be physically present. Photocopies, or digital images are not acceptable. A California notary will refuse to notarize if you present her with such.

graphic of woman swearing in
Question: What if I’ve lost your driver’s license and have no other form of acceptable ID, can I get my document notarized?

Answer: Yes. In the absence of proper ID, the notary may accept a credible witness if she personally knows you, the signer, or two credible witnesses if she does not.

Question: What is a credible witness?

Answer: With regards to California notarizations, a credible witness must know the signer well enough to swear or affirm five facts to the Notary:

1. The signer is named in the document.

2. The credible witness personally knows the signer. (More than a casual acquaintance)

3. The signer doesn’t possess a qualifying identification document.

4. The signer’s circumstances make it difficult or impossible to obtain a qualifying identification document.

5. The credible witness is not named in nor financially interested in the document.

The California notary will, for two credible witnesses, record the following information in the her notary journal:

1. The signature of each credible witness.

2. The type of written identification presented for each credible witness.

3. The serial or identifying number on each credible witness’ written identification.

4. The issuance or expiration date on each credible witness’ written identification.

There have been numerous occasions where I’ve been presented with an expired identification, even after I ask on the phone when making the appointment if they have valid government issue ID. Unless the signer can come up with two credible witnesses on the spot, I have to refuse the notarization.

Throughout this article I have referenced a California notary because each state has their own set of rules governing their notary publics. Check your state for specific requirements when it comes to required ID before you make an appointment with your local mobile notary.



Please call me to discuss your mobile notary needs. I am here to help. 562-786-95174

Weston Mobile Notary

Location: California, USA

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