A state-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card is considered a valid form of identification for a notary public. These forms of ID are widely accepted because they include a photograph and personal details that help verify the signer’s identity.
If a notary has doubts about the authenticity of a document, they should refuse to notarize it and report the issue to the appropriate authorities. Notaries are responsible for ensuring the documents they notarize are legitimate and should not proceed if there are concerns about their validity.
When verifying the authenticity of a document, a notary should check for signs of alteration or forgery. This involves examining the document carefully to ensure it has not been tampered with and appears genuine.
If a signer cannot provide acceptable identification, the notary should refuse to notarize the document and request that the signer return with proper identification. Personal knowledge alone is not sufficient for notarization without valid ID.
An out-of-state ID can be accepted as long as it is valid, has a photograph, and the notary can verify its authenticity. The notary should ensure the ID is not expired and matches the information provided by the signer.
