If the signer does not have an acceptable form of ID, the notary can use personal knowledge of the signer or a credible witness who personally knows the signer to verify their identity. This is an acceptable alternative when official ID is unavailable.
An expired ID is not considered acceptable for verifying a signer's identity because it may no longer be reliable. The notary should refuse to notarize the document if the ID is expired and request a valid form of identification.
Each signer must be individually verified to ensure that all parties are properly identified. The notary should ensure that each signer personally appears and provides acceptable identification to maintain the integrity of the notarial act.
A government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport, is typically accepted for verifying a signer's identity. Such documents provide a reliable means of confirming the signer's identity due to their official nature and photograph.
When notarizing for a minor, the notary should obtain identification from the minor’s parent or legal guardian, or use a credible witness to verify the minor’s identity. School IDs are not generally considered sufficient on their own for notarial purposes.
