According to the California Secretary of State, when completing an Acknowledgment or Jurat, a Notary Public is required to certify the identity of the signer on a given document. Identity is established if the Notary Public is presented with “satisfactory evidence” of the signers identity. “Satisfactory evidence” means the absence of any information, evidence, or other circumstances which would lead a reasonable person to believe that the individual is not the individual he or she claims to be.

California Code 1185[b] lists some very specific documents that a Public Notary can use to identify someone. These forms of ID must be unexpired (or issued within the past 5 years), be shown in physical form (photocopies or electronic versions are not acceptable), and the name listed on the document being signed should match that of the ID being presented. That said, I have a compiled a list of acceptable documents that we can use to Notarize ones signature.

1. A California Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s ID
2. A U.S. Passport (or U.S. Passport Card)
3. An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
4. A driver’s License or Official Non-Driver’s ID Card issued by any U.S. State
5. A Canadian or Mexican Driver’s License issued by the local government
6. A U.S. Military ID
7. A valid Foreign Passport from the Applicant’s Country of Citizenship
8. An Employee ID issued by a Public or Local Government Agency/Office
9. An identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government
10. A valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship.
11. The oath or affirmation of one or two credible witnesse