A valid identification (ID) card is one of the main requirements for notarization. As a notary public, you’ll encounter various types of IDs, including unusual ones, which may or may not be acceptable, depending on your state’s requirements.
In this post, we’ll discuss what unusual IDs can be used in California notary services and what other acceptable forms of identification signers can present.
Whether you’re a notary public or someone who needs notarization, read on to see which documentation is admissible for this service.
What are the acceptable forms of ID for a notary in Los Angeles?
There are many forms of identification that you can present (as a signer) or accept (as a notary) when signing a document in LA. Take note that the role of notaries is to verify that the signers’ identities are valid to avoid fraud and protect the public’s interests.
This is also the reason why a valid form of identification is crucial before a document gets notarized. Usually, the following government-issued IDs are accepted for notary use in and outside California:
- Driver’s license
- Green card (permanent resident card)
- Passport (U.S. or foreign)
- State ID card
- Military card
- Employee ID (issued by an agency or government office)
But what are a notary’s guidelines in identifying which ID can or can’t be used for their service?
In general, acceptable IDs for notarization should have four main elements: a photo of the signer, the person’s signature, physical descriptions, and the name of the issuing authority.
This is the main reason why social security cards, credit cards, marriage certificates, and library cards are not acceptable for notarization.
Unusual IDs you may encounter during notarization
In some circumstances, a person may use unusual forms of identification for notary services, which may or may not be admissible. Below are some of the examples and how they are used in California notaries:
1. Tribal identification cards: accepted
Tribal identification cards are acceptable as a form of identification for notaries in California, Arizona, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. In some states, tribal identification cards are only acceptable for notarization if they’re issued by a federally recognized tribe. Mostly, these IDs are issued by Native American tribes as proof of membership.
While the ID itself has slight differences based on the issuing tribe or organization, it still possesses the main requirements for a notary. This includes the bearer’s name, enrollment number, date of birth, and expiration date. Some may also provide a physical description of the person.
2. Consular identification card: accepted with restrictions
Consular IDs are accepted for California notaries as long as they contain the person’s photo, physical description, and signature. The identification card should also have an identifying number.
However, there are some restrictions before consular IDs can be used for Los Angeles notarization. For example, newer Mexican consular IDs, also known as matricula consular, are only accepted by Nevada and Illinois notaries. They are also prone to fraud and have been a controversial form of identification.
For other consular IDs, California notaries require that the ID be issued in the past five years.
Take note that some of these IDs issued by embassies and consulates might be in a foreign language. In that case, it will require professional document translation before it will be accepted as a form of identification for notarization.
3. Inmate identification card: accepted
For incarcerated signers, an inmate ID card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is an accepted form of identification. However, this card is only admissible if the person is currently in custody of any facility under the state of California correctional system.
Aside that inmate ID cards, any form of identification that the sheriff’s department issues for the prisoner can also be used for notary. This can be prisoners in a county jail or a local detention center, as long as the card contains all the four main details we discussed earlier.
4. International driver’s license: not accepted
Since a state-issued driver’s license is accepted by notaries, some might think that International Driver’s Licenses (IDLs) might also be used the same way. But here’s the thing: IDLs are not accepted by California notaries.
Take note that an IDL is used if you want to drive a vehicle in a foreign country. With that said, it’s not valid in your home country; say you’re trying to get a document notarized in California if you’re an American.
On the other hand, it’s not a satisfactory form of identification, as many unscrupulous individuals sell fake IDLs. This explains why notaries in and outside California don’t accept this as a signer’s proof of identity.
5. Travel visa: not accepted
Travel visas rarely have the basic details needed to qualify as a valid identification as a signer. For example, many travel visas don’t have the person’s date of birth, physical description, or signature.
Aside from that, travel visas are only intended to provide a person the permission to travel overseas. It’s not used as a form of identification since it lacks the basic details to establish or verify a person’s identity.
In that case, notaries in the United States do not accept this as a form of identification.
6. School ID: not accepted
In general, school IDs are not accepted as proof of identity for notarization. It lacks satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity, including physical description.
Aside from that, there’s a lack of standardization when it comes to school IDs. So whether it’s issued by a reputable university or college, it can’t be used in the notary’s office. Aside from that, school IDs are more challenging to verify than government-issued forms of identification.
7. Global Entry card: not accepted
Global Entry cards are identification issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They allow low-risk travelers to have easier and expedited clearance when they enter the United States.
Overall, Global Entry cards are travel cards and can’t be used as a form of identification for notarization. Similar to travel visas, Global Entry cards don’t have the person’s physical description or signature, which are the main requirements for establishing his or her identity.
With that said, Global Entry cards can’t be used for notaries, especially for signers in states without any established statutory ID requirements.
Challenges in accepting unusual IDs for notary
While some unusual identification cards can be used for notarization, there are good reasons why many of them are not admissible among notaries. Here are some of them:
- They are not easy to verify. Unlike state-issued driver’s licenses or passports, unusual IDs don’t have standard features that allow for quick and easy verification.
- They are highly vulnerable to fraud. Many scammers sell less common IDs because they are difficult to verify. Because of this,notaries or legal offices are advised to be extra careful about accepting unconventional forms of identification.
- They are subject to frequent regulatory changes. IDs like Global Entry, school IDs, IDLs, and so on are reliant on ever-changing rules and regulations. This is why they are not a solid form of identification, especially for legal processes like notarization.
- They are often not issued for identification purposes. Many of the documents we listed above aren’t intended for identification purposes. Instead, some of them are mainly for travel purposes only.
When in doubt, know your state’s requirements!
For both notaries and individuals who need notary services, knowing your state requirements will let you check which forms of identification are acceptable or not. Each state has its own list of acceptable IDs for notarization, which varies widely.
The good thing is that California provides a list of acceptable IDs and guidelines in its notary public handbook. Also, California notaries are required to include in their journal the identifying number of the presented ID or document as well as its issuance date.
You can also consult with us at Rush In Documentation Center to know more about the acceptable IDs you can use for notary services. Our public notaries will give you a complete list of IDs, and we can also go to your place for a hassle-free mobile notary solution.
Reach out to Rush In Documentation Center for expert help
Whether you’re a notary public or an individual who needs notary assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Rush In Documentation Center. We offer mobile and in-office notarization so you can get your documents signed fast.
Also, we will inform you about the right forms of identification for hassle-free documentation.
Aside from notary services, we also offer apostille services, live scan, document translation, and more. We are your one-stop documentation provider for all your personal, legal, or corporate documents in California.
Since 1994, we’ve been providing exceptional service to our clients. We also have three offices in California: in West Hollywood, Encino, and San Diego where you can visit us for further notarial assistance.
If you’re busy and can’t visit our local offices, feel free to reach out to us via phone or our website form. Our specialist will assist you right away!
