Notary · Identification of Signers

Which form of ID may a notary generally NOT accept to identify a document signer?

  1. A A current US passport
  2. B A state driver's licence
  3. C A credit card or debit card — these are financial instruments, not identity documents; most states specify that acceptable ID must be government-issued with a photograph and signature; credit cards lack photos and are not issued by a government authority
  4. D A current US military ID

Why this is the answer

ACCEPTABLE ID FOR NOTARISATION: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Government-issued; contains photograph; contains signature; unexpired; COMMONLY ACCEPTABLE: Current driver's licence or state ID; US passport or passport card; US military ID; Permanent resident card (Green Card); Tribal ID in some states; Foreign passport (with or without visa, depending on state); GENERALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE: Credit cards (no photo, not government-issued); social security cards (no photo, not typically government ID); library cards; employment ID (not government-issued); expired documents; CHECK YOUR STATE: Acceptable ID lists vary by state — California is more specific than most; some states allow personal knowledge or credible witnesses as alternatives to ID; DOCUMENTATION: Record the ID type, number, and expiration in your journal for every notarisation.
Source: NNA Notary Training — Identification Requirements

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