Acceptable ID's

For notarizations in the State of California, an ID must be current or have been issued sometime in the last 5 years. The ID should have the exact name, or a longer version of the name, that appears in the document being signed. If there is a suffix in the name (i.e., Jr., III, IV, etc.), that should be reflected on both the ID and documents. The following types of identification can be used during your appointment:

  • Driver’s license or ID card issued by the California DMV

  • US Passport

  • Inmate ID card issued by the California Dept of Corrections (only if in custody)

Other types of ID are also acceptable, but these must contain a photograph of the signer, their physical description, a signature of that person, and an identifying number. They include:

  • Driver’s license or ID card issued by any US state

  • Passport issued by a foreign government and stamped by the INS or the USCIS

  • Driver’s license issued by a Canadian or Mexican Public Agency authorized to issue driver’s licenses

  • US Military Identification Card

  • Employee ID card issued by an agency or office of the State of California, or by an agency or office of a city, county, or city and county in California

Only one form of ID is required for the appointment. But having two on hand, if available, is always better.