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Acceptable Forms of ID for Online Notarization

Casey Birkholz
  • Updated

Overview

Information on the generally accepted primary and secondary forms of identification (ID) for online notarizations:

ℹ️ Not Accepted: Click here to view the few forms of ID currently unacceptable on the Proof platform.
🎯Primary Audience: Signers

Need to Know

Acceptable IDs ultimately depend on the state in which the notary is commissioned. Unless you work directly with a notary you personally know, you could be connected to a notary from any state.

Review Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA) for more information.

ID requirements vary by state. Notaries have access to specific requirements for the state in which they are commissioned.
Accepted Primary IDs Accepted Secondary IDs Not Accepted

Acceptable Primary ID

The photo IDs listed below are suggestions based on IDs frequently accepted as a valid primary form of ID, but requirements vary by state. 

Many states require unexpired IDs, while others allow expired IDs. A notary must enforce whether their state of commission accepts an expired ID and how long after expiration they can accept it.

All IDs must include a photographic image of your face. Blurry photos of IDs are not acceptable. You will be asked to retake the photos if the ID is unclear.

Acceptable primary forms of ID may include

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • State ID card
  • Passport Card
  • Permanent resident card
Most states allow foreign IDs, but some states require the IDs listed above to be issued in the United States. If the state requires a U.S. government-issued ID, it is commonly acceptable to use an ID issued by any U.S. state or territory. Specific ID requirements depend on the state in which the notary is commissioned.

Acceptable Secondary ID

You may or may not need to provide a secondary ID during your session. It is your responsibility to determine if a secondary ID is required and to provide an acceptable secondary ID if needed.

Document requirements

Secondary IDs are always required to have certain documents notarized. For example, the PS1583 form always requires a secondary ID.

Recipient requirements

The governing authority or company requesting the document to be signed/notarized may require a secondary ID.

Secondary IDs for recent name changes 

If you've recently changed your name and it no longer matches the ID you're using for identity verification purposes, you must provide a secondary ID that reflects your new name. Your primary ID can have your former name if your secondary ID has your current name.

Acceptable secondary forms of ID may include

  • Social security card
  • U.S. Govt., government-issued visa
  • Birth certificate
  • Non-U.S./Canadian driver's license
  • Most recent, signed tax returns
  • Property tax bill
  • Voter registration card
  • Organizational membership card
  • Bank/investment/loan statements
  • Paycheck stub with name
  • Most recent W-2
  • Proof of insurance (homeowners, vehicle, or renters insurance)
  • Recent utility bill

All secondary forms of ID must display your name

Not Accepted on the Proof Platform

Military IDs & Inmate/Prisoner IDs

Due to constraints from our Credential Analysis vendor, Proof cannot accept Inmate/Prisoner IDs or Military IDs (including dependent Military IDs).

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