Most notaries require one form of government-issued ID, not two

A notary public needs to verify your identity before notarizing a document. The standard requirement is one current, government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will look at it, confirm it matches your face and signature, and note the ID details in their journal.

Some notaries ask for a second form of ID if the first one is expired, damaged, or lacks a clear photo. Others may request it if they do not recognize the ID type or if the signature on the document does not match the ID signature closely. But this is not a blanket rule — it depends on the notary's judgment and their employer's policy.

If you are unsure what the notary will accept, call ahead. Most notaries can tell you in one sentence whether one ID will work or whether they want to see two.

Key Takeaways

  • One current government-issued photo ID is the standard requirement for notarization.
  • A notary may ask for a second ID if your first one is expired, unclear, or if your signature does not match.
  • Different notaries and notary employers have different policies, so calling ahead saves a trip.
  • Acceptable IDs include driver's licenses, passports, state ID cards, and military IDs.
  • The notary records the ID information in their journal as part of the notarization record.

When a notary will ask for two forms of ID

An expired ID is the most common reason a notary will request a second form. If your driver's license expired more than a year ago, the notary may not accept it as current identification. A second ID — even if it is also expired — can help establish that you are who you say you are.

A damaged or illegible ID is another trigger. If the photo is faded, the laminate is peeling, or the signature is smudged, the notary cannot reliably verify your identity from that document alone. Bringing a second ID solves this problem quickly.

Signature mismatch is less common but does happen. If the signature on the document you are having notarized looks very different from the signature on your ID, the notary may ask for a second form of ID to confirm you are the same person. This protects both you and the notary.

What counts as acceptable government-issued ID

A driver's license is the most widely accepted form. It has a photo, an expiration date, and a signature, which is everything a notary needs. A state-issued ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) works the same way and is equally valid.

A U.S. passport or passport card is always acceptable. Military IDs, tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, and some professional licenses with photos also work. A few states accept concealed carry permits if they include a photo and signature.

What does not work: a Social Security card, a credit card, a library card, or an expired ID from another country. These either lack a photo, lack a signature, or are not issued by a government body.

What happens if you do not have two forms of ID

If you have only one form of ID and it is current and clear, you can proceed. The notary will examine it, confirm your identity, and notarize the document. You do not need a second form unless the notary specifically asks for one.

If your only ID is expired or damaged and the notary will not accept it, you have a few options. You can ask the notary if they will accept a second form of ID even if it is also expired — many will. You can also ask whether they will notarize the document if you sign an affidavit swearing to your identity, though not all notaries offer this. Some notaries will refer you to another notary who may have a different policy.

The fastest solution is usually to get a replacement ID before your notary appointment. If you need the document notarized urgently, call ahead to a few notaries and ask which ones will work with what you have.

How notaries verify your identity

The notary looks at your ID, compares the photo to your face, and checks that the signature on the ID matches the signature you are about to place on the document. They note the ID type, number, and expiration date in their journal. This journal is a legal record and is what makes the notarization official.

If you are signing a document in front of the notary (called acknowledgment), they watch you sign. If you are swearing that a signature on the document is yours (called jurat), the notary administers an oath. In both cases, the ID check is the foundation of the process.

Some notaries also ask where you live or what the document is for. These questions help them spot fraud and confirm they are notarizing for the right person. Answer honestly — there is no penalty for a straightforward answer.

Remote notarization and ID requirements

If you are using a remote notary (also called online notarization), the ID rules are similar but the process is different. You will hold your ID up to a camera so the notary can see it on video. The notary may ask you to show both sides of the ID or to move it closer to the camera.

Some remote notaries use identity verification software that scans your ID and compares the photo to a live video of your face. This technology sometimes requires a second form of ID if the first one does not scan clearly or if the software flags a mismatch. Ask the remote notary service what they need before your appointment.

Remote notarization is available in most states but not all. Check your state's notary laws or ask your notary whether they offer it.

Notary requirements by state

Most states do not set a specific number of IDs required — they leave it to the notary's judgment. A few states have written rules. For example, some states say a notary must see a "satisfactory" form of ID without defining how many forms that means. Others require the ID to be current and government-issued but do not mandate a second form.

If you are notarizing a document for a legal proceeding (like a court filing or a real estate transaction), the court or the receiving party may have their own ID requirements. These are separate from what the notary requires. Ask the attorney or the title company what they need before you go to the notary.

Your state's notary handbook or the notary public commission website will have the exact rules for your area. A quick search for "[your state] notary requirements" will get you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID if I have nothing else?

Many notaries will accept an expired ID if it is not too old and the photo is still clear. Call the notary first and ask. If they will not accept it, ask whether a second form of ID (even if also expired) would help, or whether you can sign an affidavit instead.

Does a passport card work the same as a full passport?

Yes. A U.S. passport card has a photo, signature, and expiration date, so it meets all the notary's needs. It is smaller than a full passport but equally valid for notarization.

What if I lost my ID and only have a copy?

A photocopy of an ID is not acceptable. The notary needs to see the original document. If you have lost your ID, get a replacement from your state's DMV or the issuing agency before your notary appointment.

Can a notary notarize a document if I sign it at home and bring it in?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them (with rare exceptions for specific document types). If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the unsigned document and your ID to the appointment.

Do I need ID if someone else is signing the document on my behalf?

The person signing the document needs to bring ID. If you are the one whose signature is being notarized, you are the one who needs to show ID. If someone else is signing on your behalf (called a power of attorney), they need their own ID, and you may need to bring documentation showing they have the authority to sign for you.