ID Requirements for Notarization

What to bring so your appointment goes smoothly.

In California, one acceptable form of identification is generally all you need to establish your identity for notarization. Bring it to every appointment. Depending on the type of ID, it must be current or have been issued within the past five years and meet California’s other identification requirements.

Forms of ID We Accept

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California Driver’s License or ID Card

Issued by the California DMV.

🛂

U.S. Passport or Passport Card

Both the passport book and the passport card are valid.

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Driver’s License or ID Card from Another State

Must be current or issued within the past five years, and include a photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying number.

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Mexico or Canada Driver’s License

Must be issued by an authorized public agency.

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Foreign Passport

Must be a passport issued by your country of citizenship that is current or was issued within the past five years. It must include a photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying number.

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U.S. Military ID Card

Issued by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Note: current U.S. military IDs may not show all required details — we’ll verify yours at the appointment.

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California Government Employee ID

Issued by a California state agency, city, or county.

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Tribal Government ID

Issued by a federally recognized tribal government.

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Consular ID (Matrícula Consular)

A valid consular identification document from your country of citizenship, meeting state requirements.

Important Things to Know

ID requirements: California DMV driver’s licenses and ID cards, U.S. passports, and qualifying inmate IDs must be current or issued within the past five years. Other accepted IDs must meet California’s requirements for validity, photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying number. Contact us if you’re unsure whether your ID qualifies.
Personal appearance: You must appear in person before the notary. Please do not sign your document ahead of time unless specifically advised.
No acceptable ID? California law also allows identity to be established by credible witnesses under specific conditions, and inmate IDs apply for signers in custody — contact us and we’ll explain the options.
Not sure yours qualifies? Contact us before your appointment and we’ll help you figure it out — it’s much easier to sort out ahead of time than at the door.

A California notary verifies who is signing, not what the document says. Having the right ID ready is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your appointment on track.

Still Have Questions?

Visit our FAQs page for answers to common questions, or get in touch and we’ll walk you through what to bring.

Ready to Book Your Notarization?

We are open 8:30 AM – 7 PM daily. Call, text, or message us — and don’t forget your ID!

Call (858) 900-7134 Contact Us