Types of Required ID- California Requirements

A California notary public can establish a signer’s identity using the following forms of identification. Keep in mind these forms of identification must either be current or have been issued within the past 5 years.

• An identification card or driver’s license issued by the California  Department of Motor Vehicles
• A  United States passport
• An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, if the inmate is in custody in California state prison
• Any  form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff’s department, if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility

A California notary public may also rely on any one of the following forms of identification. These forms of ID must include a photograph, description of the person, signature of the person, and an identifying number.

• A valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship, or a valid passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship
• A driver’s license issued by another state or by a Canadian or Mexican public agency authorized to issue driver’s licenses
• An identification card issued by another state
• A United States military identification card (caution: current military identification cards might not contain all required information)
• An employee identification card issued by an agency or office of the State of  California, or an agency or office of a city and/or county in California
• An Identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government

Be Prepared to Show Valid Identification

California Notary Acceptable Identification: Credible witnesses

If a signer doesn’t possess one of the forms of identification mentioned on this list there is an additional option to present credible witnesses.

Two credible witnesses will need to vouch for the signer. The credible witnesses must personally know the signer. In accordance with California law, these individuals are required to present a valid form of identification, take an oath, and sign the notary journal. A credible witness must neither be named in, nor benefit financially from the document being 

signed.