Primary IDs: The Best Forms of ID for Notarization
When getting documents notarized, you need to provide proper identification.
The best forms of ID are those most commonly accepted. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, provides your name, photo, signature, and other personal details. Either of these will work.
If you are being notarized online, services such as Online Notary require a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card. These platforms often have specific guidelines to verify your identity digitally.
A birth or naturalization certificate also proves your age and citizenship. While these are not photo IDs, they may still be accepted as primary proof of identity for notarization, depending on your state requirements.
If you’re an active duty or retired member of the armed forces, your military ID will serve as valid proof of identity as well.
For non-citizens, a valid green card or permanent resident card is sufficient as a primary ID for notarization purposes.
Secondary IDs like credit/debit cards, employee IDs, or student IDs can be used as supplemental identification but are not sufficient on their own. They lack certain personal details like a photo, address, or signature.
When getting documents notarized, be sure to bring at least one form of primary ID, or two secondary IDs.
The specific number and types of IDs required can vary by state, so check with your local notary office. The key is providing documentation that proves your identity beyond a reasonable doubt.
With the proper IDs in hand, you’ll be ready to get your important papers notarized. Additionally, utilizing Online eSignature technology can further streamline the process, ensuring swift and secure document handling.
Secondary IDs: Supplementary IDs That May Be Accepted
If your primary ID isn’t accepted for some reason, don’t worry – you’ve got options.
Many notaries will accept secondary IDs to verify your identity. A passport is a great secondary ID if you have one.
It proves both your identity and citizenship. Birth or naturalization certificates also work, as do military IDs.
For residency, a current utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, or voter registration card with your name and address may be accepted. Make sure any documents with a mailing address match the one on your primary ID.
If you’re a student, your current student ID, transcript, or enrollment verification letter can serve as a secondary ID.
For minors, a school ID, report card, or letter from the school administration can work.
Out-of-state licenses, consular IDs, and green cards may also be allowed as a second form of identification, depending on the notary’s requirements. It’s best to check with them directly to see what they will accept.
The key is providing documentation that reasonably proves who you are. Multiple forms of ID, especially those with a photo and signature, are ideal.
Don’t be afraid to ask the notary ahead of time exactly what secondary IDs they will allow – that way you can walk in prepared and avoid potential hassles or delays.
With the right supplementary identification, getting your documents notarized should be a breeze.
Can You Get Notarized Without an ID? Exceptions and Alternatives
Even without a traditional government-issued ID, there are a few exceptions and alternative options for getting documents notarized.
Minors
If you’re under the age of 18, most states will allow a parent or legal guardian to provide ID on your behalf. Your guardian will need to sign the document in front of the notary to verify their identity and authorize the notarization.
Some states may require additional paperwork like a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Witness Identification
Rather than providing a physical ID, some states allow for witness identification.
This means having one or more witnesses who know you personally appear with you before the notary to vouch for and confirm your identity. The notary will record the witnesses’ names and signatures.
Witnesses must meet certain criteria, like being a U.S. citizen and knowing you for a minimum time period.
Affidavits of Identity
For those without a government-issued ID, some states allow using a sworn affidavit of identity.
This is a written statement confirming your identity, signed under oath in front of the notary.
Information like your name, date of birth, physical description, and residence address will be required. The notary checks public records to verify details in the affidavit before notarizing your document.
Exceptions for Seniors
Notaries may make exceptions for elderly individuals unable to obtain a government ID due to limited mobility or health issues.
Additional steps like checking public records, using witnesses, or affidavits of identity help confirm the person’s information in lieu of a physical ID card.
As you can see, there are a number of workarounds if you’re unable to provide a traditional government-issued ID for notarization purposes. Be sure to check with your state’s notary laws and procedures to determine which options may apply to your specific situation.
With some additional verification steps, you can still get your important documents notarized.
How Many Forms of ID Do You Need for Notarization?
When getting a document notarized, you’ll typically need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID to prove your identity.
But do you need more than one form of identification?
In most cases, a single government-issued photo ID with your signature should be sufficient.
Acceptable Forms of Primary ID
The most commonly accepted IDs for notarization purposes include:
- Driver’s license – The most common form of ID, as long as it’s current and issued by a government agency.
- Passport – Either a current passport or one that expired within the last 5 years is acceptable (this will vary from state to state and if done online, upon a RON provider’s 3rd party ID authentication integration).
- Military ID – An official ID card for active duty, retired, or dependent military personnel.
- Permanent resident card – For U.S. permanent residents, a valid green card serves as a government-issued photo ID.
Some notaries may require an additional form of ID, like a credit or debit card, social security card, or birth certificate, especially if there are any discrepancies between the information on your primary ID and the document you need notarized.
But in general, a single valid government-issued photo ID should be sufficient for most routine notarizations.
When Additional ID May Be Needed
In a few circumstances, most notaries will require at least two forms of identification:
- If your primary ID is expired or will expire soon. An additional current ID can help confirm your identity.
- If the document you need notarized includes a name variation or different personal information than what’s on your ID. Supporting ID can help reconcile any differences.
- For certain types of notarizations like acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths or affirmations. More stringent ID requirements help prevent fraud for these legal formalities.
- If the notary does not personally know you. Notaries are required to properly vet the identity of each customer, so they may ask for more ID from strangers.
In the end, the specific types and number of identifications needed for notarization depend on your state’s regulations and the notary’s own verification policies.
But as a rule of thumb, bring at least one official government-issued photo ID to ensure a smooth notarization process. Come prepared with any supplemental ID, especially if your situation is out of the ordinary, and the notary should be able to handle the rest.
What IDs are required to get notarized on BlueNotary?
To get documents notarized on BlueNotary, you’ll need to provide proper identification. Notaries need to verify your identity to legally notarize your documents.
Government-issued photo ID
The most commonly accepted forms of ID are government-issued photo IDs, such as:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Military ID
Make sure your ID is current and not expired. Some states require two forms of ID, so check with your local notary to confirm what they need.
Secondary ID
If asked for a second piece of ID, you can provide:
- Social Security card
- Credit/debit card
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
These help verify your name and address. Photocopies of IDs are typically not accepted.
The notary will need to see the original, physical IDs.
What if I don’t have a government-issued ID?
If you don’t have a government-issued photo ID, you have a few options:
- Apply for a regular ID like a driver’s license or state ID card. This may take some time to obtain but will be useful for notarization and other purposes.
- Provide multiple secondary IDs, like a utility bill, bank statement, Social Security card, and credit/debit card that together sufficiently verify your identity. Some notaries may accept these forms of ID, especially if you’re a regular customer, but it is up to the individual notary’s discretion.
- Have another person with a valid photo ID co-sign as a credible witness to confirm your identity. The notary will record the witness’s information.
- See if your state offers ID cards for non-drivers. These serve as basic photo identification and should be accepted by notaries for notarization purposes.
The key is providing as much information as possible to prove who you are. Don’t get frustrated if it takes a few extra steps. Notarization helps prevent fraud and protects you legally, so the ID requirements are for good reason. With the proper identification in hand, you’ll be ready to get your important documents notarized.
ID and Notarization Conclusions
So there you have it, a comprehensive list of the types of identification that most notaries will accept for notarization purposes.
As you’ve seen, while government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport are preferred, there are plenty of other options if you don’t have one of those.
The most important thing is that the ID is current, includes your photo, and clearly establishes your identity. Armed with this info, you should feel confident bringing the proper ID to your next notarization.
But if you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to contact the notary in advance.
They would much rather clarify their ID policy upfront than have to turn you away when you show up for your appointment.
So do your due diligence and make sure you’ve checked all the boxes. Then you can proceed with your notarization knowing there won’t be any hangups over your identification.
How to Notarize Online Instantly
Please keep in mind requirements may vary from state to state for Notarization, but in general here are a few simple steps to follow:
- Enter your email on the front page of BlueNotary
- Follow the Directions in your Email and upload your Document + ID
- Meet the Commissioned Notary and complete your signing
The entire process start to finish can take less than 10 minutes for a Notary Acknowledgement. BlueNotary even makes it easy for foreigners with their biometric identity proofing.
Ready to get that Document Notarized? Go to BlueNotary to get started now. official paperwork indicating it has been legally notarized.
FAQ
Q1. What are the best forms of ID for notarization?
A: Government-issued photo IDs like a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or permanent resident card are preferred for notarization.
Q2: Can secondary IDs be used for notarization if primary IDs aren’t available?
A: Yes, secondary IDs such as a birth certificate, utility bill, or student ID can supplement primary IDs but are not sufficient alone.
Q3. Is it possible to get documents notarized without a government-issued ID?
A: Yes, using alternative methods like witness identification, affidavits of identity, or having a guardian for minors can suffice in some states.
Q4. How many forms of ID are typically needed for notarization?
A: Generally, one valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient, but additional forms may be required for discrepancies or specific notarial acts.
