Notary Needed With No ID?

 If a person requires notarization but lacks acceptable ID, there may still be ways they can have their documents notarized; all depending on how their Notary was appointed. Most states provide Notaries with a statutory list of acceptable identification documents; however, in some instances Notaries can rely on personal knowledge alone and only require one credible identifying witness to present.

Acceptable Identification Documents

Identification requirements vary from state to state, though in general Notaries accept valid government-issued photo ID documents like passports, driver's licenses and military IDs as acceptable forms of ID for verification purposes. Such documents provide essential details that allow signers to establish their identities - photographs, signatures and descriptions among them - unlike items like credit cards and social security cards which lack key features necessary for identification verification purposes. If a document signer lacks one of the acceptable forms of ID, some states allow notaries to establish their identity using credible witness verification. This involves having one or more witnesses who personally know the signer come before the notary and verify their identity before an impartial notary witness. Although this form of identity verification may be more stringent, it provides a great alternative option for those without access to traditional government-issued documents; please check your state guidelines and NotaryCam platform provider regarding specific acceptance policies before using this option.

Credible Witnesses

Many states permit Notaries to rely on credible witnesses when no acceptable form of ID is available; such witnesses serve as human ID cards that verify signers' identities. Credible witnesses must typically be known to both the notary and present a form of identification; some states, such as California, also require them not have any financial interest in the document being signed. Acceptable forms of identification typically include passports, driver's licenses and state ID cards; Social Security cards, birth or marriage certificates, credit cards or school IDs usually do not count. If an individual cannot provide acceptable ID documents themselves, some states allow two credible witnesses who take an oath stating they know the signer to identify them under oath and attest to their identity; notaries must record the names and types of identification for all credible witnesses in their journal.

Sworn Affidavit of Identity

Notaries Public may need to verify the identity of someone without acceptable forms of ID. In such a situation, that individual will have to sign an affidavit swearing they are who they say they are; this document must then be presented before a notary public with his seal applied for legal purposes. An affidavit should contain information regarding its author such as name and date of birth. Furthermore, an affirmation must be included stating that all provided data is true and accurate according to knowledge. Credible witnesses are typically individuals who know the document signer intimately and can testify under oath about their identity. They should remain impartial and maintain a longstanding personal relationship with them - such as church lady friends or longtime neighbors - though rules vary between states for who can act as credible witnesses and which types of relationships qualify.

Other Options Notaries serve an invaluable purpose beyond document signing: they act as gatekeepers of authenticity and legality for signers who require authenticated documentation for legality. Signers often have questions regarding which forms of ID will be acceptable for their specific case. Notaries typically accept driver's licenses, passports, military ID cards and other official government identification as acceptable forms of ID for Notaries to practice their profession. It is important to contact your local Notary regulating body to ascertain any special ID requirements in your region. PandaDoc Notary makes remote notarization simple with convenient, secure and legally binding service available in many states. Contact them now* *Disclosure: The NNA may receive compensation should you use our link to receive remote notarization services through NotaryCam; however this will not compromise its editorial independence or quality of information provided