What Do I Need to Provide?

The job of a Notary Public may seem easy enough, but they are responsible for performing several crucial duties to ensure the document’s execution is performed correctly and according to federal and state laws. These duties include verifying the signer’s identity and ensuring the document is signed without coercion.

Therefore, checking and verifying the signer’s identity is a critical step in performing a notarial service. Some people may view it as a nuisance, but it’s performed to safeguard against fraud. 

If you need a document notarized, please see below for acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID.

Document(s) to be Notarized

You can upload your document(s) to the website or email them to me.

The name(s) on the document(s) being notarized must match the valid, government-issued photo ID.

Each person signing must present valid, government-issued photo ID. If you are providing your own witness (where required) -- they must also show a valid, government-issued photo ID.

 

Identification

The name on the signer’s valid, government-issued photo ID must match exactly the name on the document being notarized.  Notaries cannot notarize documents if the name on the ID does not reasonably match the name on the document.

he primary duty of a notary public is to verify the identities of each signer on a document. This is done to protect against fraudulent acts that may otherwise void the notarized document. The notary public typically requests each signer to provide identification that verifies their identity. If the client fails to provide an acceptable form of identification, the notary public is legally obligated to refuse the service. So, what’s considered an “acceptable” form of identification when seeking the services of a notary public?

The job of a notary public may seem easy enough, but they are 

  • The ID must be unexpired or issued within the past 5 years.
  • The ID must be a photo-bearing, government-issued card containing the signature and same name of the signer.

Please contact me in advance if you have questions about name variations.

Valid Identification Examples:

  • .

What is NOT Accepted:

If you do not have these, a notary can also accept the oath of a credible witness known to both you and the notary.

 

Acceptable Forms of ID for Notary Services

Identification required for notarial services are the same for all 50 states.
  • Tennessee Driver License or state-issued ID card.
  • Other State Driver’s License or ID card (from another U.S. state).
  • U.S. Passport (or a foreign passport stamped by U.S. Customs).
  • U.S. Military ID card.
  • Resident Alien Identification Card (Green Card)

Unaccepted forms of identification may include the following:

  • Birth certificates
  • Social security cards
  • School identification cards
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

 

If the Signer Lacks Acceptable Identification

If you do not possess or are unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification, you may be able to verify your identify through a credible witness. 

A credible witness is a person who knows the Notary as well as the signer of the document and can vouch for his or her identity. It’s important to note that not all states allow the use of credible witness to verify a signer’s identify.

Credible witnesses are required to sign an affidavit which states:

  • The signer of the document is known to the credible witness.
  • The credible witness believes the signer of the document does not possess an acceptable form of identification.
  • The credible witness believes the signer of the document is reasonably unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification.
  • The credible witness has no financial interest or incentive for the document’s execution.

But a signer can’t use a credible witness for the sake of convenience. If a signer accidentally left his or her driver’s license at home, for instance, they can’t let a friend or family member vouch for their identify. The only time when a credible witness is allowed is when the signer has no form of acceptable identification, and the signer cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of identification.

Important Notices

I am a commissioned Notary Public and not an attorney.
I cannot provide legal advice, interpret the legal meaning of documents, nor can I choose, recommend, prepare, advise you on which documents you should use.  Clients are responsible for selecting their own documents.

I can explain the notarial process and identify where signatures, dates, and notarizations are required, but I cannot advise on the contents nor legal effect of any document. 

The primary duty of a notary public is to verify the identities of each signer on a document. This is done to protect against fraudulent acts that may otherwise void the notarized document. The notary public typically requests each signer to provide identification that verifies their identity. If the client fails to provide an acceptable form of identification, the notary public is legally obligated to refuse the service.