CA Notary Identification and Signer Verification

Question 1

Which of the following documents is an acceptable form of identification for a California notarization?

Accepted Answer

A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV

Answer

An expired driver's license from 3 years ago

Answer

A Social Security card alone

Answer

A birth certificate alone

Question 2

How old may an ID document be and still be acceptable for a California notarization?

Accepted Answer

It must be unexpired

Answer

Up to 5 years expired is acceptable

Answer

Up to 1 year expired is acceptable

Answer

Up to 3 years expired for passports only

Question 3

A signer wants to use a foreign passport to establish identity for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law

Answer

No, only U.S. passports are acceptable

Answer

Only if the passport has a U.S. visa stamp

Answer

Only for non-citizens who lack other ID

Question 4

How many credible witnesses are needed to identify a signer in California when the signer is personally unknown to both the notary and the witnesses?

Accepted Answer

Two witnesses who personally know the signer and are known to the notary or present acceptable ID

Answer

One witness who knows the notary and the signer

Answer

One witness who presents acceptable ID

Answer

Three witnesses who can verify the signer's identity

Question 5

What makes someone a 'credible witness' for California notarial identity purposes?

Accepted Answer

A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity

Answer

Any adult citizen who knows the signer

Answer

A licensed attorney who can vouch for the signer

Answer

A notary from another county who knows the signer

Question 6

A signer presents a U.S. military ID card for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a current U.S. military ID card is on California's acceptable ID list

Answer

No, military IDs are not listed as acceptable in California

Answer

Only for active-duty military signers

Answer

Only if accompanied by another form of ID