What IDs Are Accepted for Notarization in California? Here’s What You Need to Know

When getting a document notarized in California, one of the most important steps is proving your identity. As a notary, I’m required by state law to verify that the person signing the document is truly who they say they are. This is done through an approved form of identification — not just any ID will do!

Here’s a quick guide to what’s accepted in California:

Primary Forms of ID :

California law recognizes the following as valid government-issued photo IDs (must be current or issued within the last 5 years):

• California Driver’s License or California Identification Card

• U.S. Passport (book or card)

• Other U.S. state-issued Driver’s License or ID card

• U.S. Military ID card (with photo, signature, and physical description)

• Inmate ID card (issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, for inmates currently in custody)

• Foreign Passport (if stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

• Canadian driver’s license or Mexican driver’s license

• Employee ID card issued by the state of CA, or any city or county in CA, only if it meets the criteria*

Special Cases

If a signer doesn’t have one of the IDs listed above, a “credible witness” may be used.
A credible witness is someone who personally knows the signer and can swear under oath to their identity — but specific rules apply, so it’s always best to discuss this with notary in advance.

Following IDs don’t meet California’s legal requirements for notarization.

• Social Security cards

• Birth certificates

• School or employee IDs

• Credit or debit cards

Final Tip : Always check that your ID is unexpired or issued within the past five years and that it matches the exact name appearing on your document.