Acceptable Forms of ID for Online Notarization – Notarize

Overview

Information on the generally accepted forms of identification (ID) for online notarizations.

For information about acceptable forms of ID for Form PS1583, please refer to the DMM 608 guidelines from the USPS.

🎯Primary Audience: Signers

Need to Know

This article aims to prepare signers to have proof of identification accessible that is accepted in various states. Acceptable IDs ultimately depend on the state in which the notary is commissioned. Unless you work directly with a notary known to you, you could be connected to a notary from any state.

A U.S. social security number is also required to verify identity. Review Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA) for more information.

ID requirements vary by state. Notaries have access to specific requirements for the state in which they are commissioned.

Accepted Primary IDs

Accepted Secondary IDs

Not Accepted

Acceptable

Acceptable primary forms of ID may include

The photo IDs listed below are suggestions based on IDs frequently accepted as a primary form of ID, but requirements vary by state.

Many states require the ID to be valid and unexpired. Our system only accepts unexpired IDs.

All IDs must include a photographic image of your face. Blurry photos of IDs are not acceptable. You will be asked to retake the photos if the ID is unclear.

Driver’s license
Passport
State ID card
Passport Card
Work permits
Permanent resident card

Most states allow foreign IDs, but some states require the IDs listed above to be issued in the United States. If the state requires a U.S. government-issued ID, it is commonly acceptable to use an ID issued by any U.S. state or territory. Specific ID requirements depend on the state in which the Notary is commissioned. Notaries can view requirements for their state here.

Acceptable secondary forms of ID may include

If you've recently changed your name and it no longer matches the ID you're using for identity verification purposes, you must provide a secondary ID that reflects your new name. Your primary ID can have your former name as long as your secondary ID has your current name.

All secondary forms of ID must display your name (the signer's name):

Social security card
U.S. Govt., government-issued visa
Birth certificate
Non-U.S./Canadian driver's license
Most recent, signed tax returns
Property tax bill
Voter registration card
Organizational membership card
Bank/investment/loan statements
Paycheck stub with name
Most recent W-2
Proof of Insurance (homeowners, vehicle, or renters insurance)
Recent utility bill

Not Accepted on the Notarize Platform

Expired IDs

The Notarize platform does not accept expired IDs, regardless of state guidelines.

Military IDs & Inmate/Prisoner IDs

Due to constraints from our Credential Analysis vendor, Notarize cannot accept Inmate/Prisoner IDs or Military IDs (including dependent Military IDs).

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