What Forms of ID are Acceptable for Notary Services?
Notarization of documents helps to prevent fraud by confirming the identity of people signing the documents. The duty of the notary public is to verify the identities of each signer. If the parties involved fail to provide acceptable forms of identification, the notary public is legally obligated to refuse services.
The notary public is responsible for ensuring each documents’ execution is performed properly and according to federal and state laws. This includes verifying the identity of each signer and making sure the document is being signed without coercion from other parties.
So, what kind of identification is required for notarial services? Required types of ID are the same for all 50 states. At least one form of acceptable identification is required for notary services, from each signer of the document.
Acceptable forms of identification include the following:
State-issued driver’s license
State-issued non-driver’s ID
Passport
U.S military identification card
Resident alien identification card (green card) All forms of identification must be current and unexpired. Unacceptable forms of identification include:
Birth certificate
Social security card
School ID
Credit card
Debit card
In Pennsylvania, if you are unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification, you may be able to verify your identity to the notary public through a credible witness. A credible witness is a person who knows the signer of the document and can vouch for his or her identity. The only time a credible witness is allowed, is when the signer has no form of acceptable identification, and the signer cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of identification. Here is the catch- the notary must personally know the credible witness, who in turn must personally know the signer. Not all states, however, allow for the use of a credible witness to verify the identity of the signer.
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