To notarize a document for you – I must see/touch/handle your actual ID.

Every state’s rules are different when it comes to identifying signers, but without exception all agree that a signer must present an original ID to the Notary.

“I’ve got a photocopy of my driver’s license. Can you accept that instead?” NO

“I don’t have my ID with me, but here’s a picture of it on my mobile phone, OK?” NO

Without having the original ID, I have no way of knowing if the copy or image has been altered or changed. Also a copy lacks the security features, such as holograms or raised text, that I can use to verify an ID is genuine.

The whole point of getting something notarized is so that I can verify you are the person you say you are. Please – have your government issued, valid form of ID out and ready to go for me … or we will have to reschedule.

Acceptable forms of ID contain your signature and photo:

• US passport or an officially recognized passport of a foreign country
• Driver license or ID card – current or expired not more than three years
• Military ID card
• ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe or other document issued by the federal government or a state, county or local government that is current or that expired not more than three years