It’s the #1 question people ask us: “What kind of ID do I need to bring to get something notarized?”
Short answer: you need something official, government-issued, and current. Long answer: let’s break it down before someone tries to hand us a coffee punch card again.
The MVPs of Identification
If you bring one of these, you’re good to go:
- Driver’s License or State-Issued ID
The bread-and-butter of notarizations. If it’s valid and not expired, we’re in business. - U.S. Passport or Passport Card
A classic. Works for international travel and signing that power of attorney form. - U.S. Military ID
Not only accepted, but saluted. - Driver’s License from Another State
Visiting from Nevada? We don’t hold that against you — your license still works here.
Rule of thumb: if TSA would let you on a plane with it, we’ll let you sign with it.
IDs That Don’t Cut It
Let’s just save everyone the awkwardness. These won’t fly:
- Student IDs (“Congrats on that meal plan, but we need something more official.”)
- Work Badges (“Great, you can get into the office. Sadly, not enough to get into this notary session.”)
- Credit Cards (“Visa verifies purchases, not people.”)
- Expired Licenses (“That picture of you from 2014? Adorable, but expired.”)
When the ID Isn’t There: Credible Witnesses
Sometimes life happens — your ID is lost, stolen, expired, or in that “safe place” you’ll never find again. This is where a credible witness can come in.
Here’s how it works:
- The witness must personally know you. Not “saw you once at a barbecue,” but actual, ongoing familiarity.
- They must present their own valid ID.
- They must swear, under oath, that you are who you say you are. (Yes, there’s actual swearing involved — not the kind you yell when you stub your toe.)
- Depending on the situation, two witnesses might be required. Double the paperwork, double the fun.
A Quick Example
You: “Can my roommate be my credible witness?”
Us: “Do they know you well?”
You: “Well, they know I always eat their leftovers.”
Us: “That’s… not the kind of credibility the law has in mind.”
Why This Matters
Notaries aren’t just stamping paper for fun. If we accept the wrong ID (or an unreliable witness), the document can be thrown out, and our entire commission is on the line. It’s not worth the risk — which is why we’re picky. Think of us as bouncers for legal documents: no valid ID, no entry.
Bottom Line
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and you’ll sail right through. If you don’t have one, a credible witness may save the day — but it has to be done by the book.
Show up prepared, and we’ll make the process fast, smooth, and painless. Show up with a gym card and a shrug? Well, you’ll at least get a funny story out of it.
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