Essential Guide to Valid Identification for Notarization: What You Need to Know

What Counts as Valid Identification? Roseville Mobile Notary Explains

When it comes to notarizing documents in California, having the correct identification is more than just helpful—it’s the law. As your mobile notary in Roseville, I’m here to guide you through:

  • What counts as valid ID

  • What to do if your ID is expired or missing

  • How we legally verify your identity

Let’s get started!

✅ Primary Identification Documents

These are the most commonly accepted forms of ID under California law:

• Driver’s License

  • Issued by the California DMV

  • Must be current or issued within the last 5 years

• U.S. Passport

  • Must be valid and current

• California State ID

  • Issued by the DMV

  • Must be current or issued within the last 5 years

• Inmate ID Cards

  • State prison: Issued by the CA Department of Corrections

  • Local jail: Issued by the County Sheriff’s Department (valid only for inmates in custody)

🆗 Secondary Identification Documents

These may be acceptable if they meet all required criteria:

• Foreign Passport

  • Must be valid and include a photo, signature, description, and identifying number

• Out-of-State Driver’s License or ID Card

  • Must be current or issued within the last 5 years

• U.S. Military ID

  • Must contain identifying photo, signature, and description

• California Government Employee ID

  • Issued by a state, city, or county agency

• Federally Recognized Tribal ID

  • Must meet California’s acceptable ID requirements

🔍 How I Verify Your Identification

As a commissioned California Notary Public, I’m required to verify ID before notarizing any document. Here’s what I check:

  • Photo matches the person

  • Physical description (height, eye color, etc.) matches

  • Signature on ID matches document

  • ID must be valid (not expired) and contain a serial number

⚠️ What If Your ID Is Expired?

Unfortunately, expired IDs cannot be accepted—even if it's just by a day.

Your options:

  • Visit the DMV or appropriate issuing authority to obtain a new or replacement ID

  • If urgent, consider using credible witnesses (see below)

👥 No ID? Use Two Credible Witnesses

California allows the use of two credible witnesses when a signer has no valid ID and the notary does not know the signer personally.

Requirements for witnesses:

  • Must personally know the signer

  • Must show their own valid ID

  • Must swear that the signer cannot reasonably obtain ID

  • Cannot be named in the document or have a financial interest

Example:
If you’re John Doe and two coworkers (whom I don’t know) are willing to confirm your identity under oath, I can proceed with notarization.

📜 Legal Compliance: California Civil Code Section 1185

This section defines what counts as “satisfactory evidence” when confirming identity for notarization:

  • Valid identification documents

  • Credible witnesses (if no ID)

Why it matters:
Compliance ensures your notarized documents are legally valid and fraud-free. Failing to follow these laws could result in penalties for both the notary and client.

🧾 Checklist Before Your Appointment

✅ Bring a valid, government-issued ID (or two credible witnesses)
✅ Confirm your ID has not expired
✅ Make sure your name matches the document
✅ Have all documents filled out and ready to sign
✅ Understand the contents—you must sign knowingly and willingly

📞 Contact Lin – Your Trusted Mobile Notary in Roseville & Rocklin

I provide mobile, by-appointment notary services throughout Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Whitney, Penryn, Loomis, Antelope,  North Highlands, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Folsom, and surrounding areas.

📱 Call or Text: (279)243-8631 

🌐 Book an Appointment Online with Lin Mobile Notary.