Notary guidelines for accepting signer identification

Notaries must verify the identity of signers through acceptable forms of identification, such as state-issued driver's licenses or passports. If the signer is not personally known to the notary, they must present satisfactory evidence of identification, typically a photo ID with a physical description and signature. Some states allow credible witnesses to vouch for the signer's identity under specific conditions.

Key Guidelines:

Personal Knowledge:

Notaries can rely on personal knowledge of the signer if they are sufficiently familiar with the individual.

Satisfactory Evidence:

If not personally known, the signer must provide an acceptable form of identification.

State and Federal IDs:

Acceptable forms of ID often include state-issued driver's licenses, identification cards, U.S. passports, and other government-issued IDs with photos and signatures.

Credible Witnesses:

Some states allow for credible witnesses, who must personally know the signer and may also need to be known by the notary, to vouch for the signer's identity.

No Copies:

Notaries should not accept copies of IDs as they lack the security features of original documents.

Physical Examination:

Notaries should physically examine the ID to verify its authenticity and security features.

State Laws Vary:

Notary requirements can vary by state, so it's crucial to understand the specific laws in the relevant jurisdiction.

Examples of Acceptable Identification:

State-issued driver's license or ID card

U.S. passport

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