A driver's license is the most common form of ID a notary will accept, but it is not the only one

You do not need a driver's license specifically to get a document notarized. A notary public needs to see a form of government-issued photo identification to verify who you are — that is the core requirement. A driver's license satisfies this because it has your photo, signature, and an expiration date. But a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID will work just as well.

The reason notaries ask for ID at all is to prevent fraud. When you sign a document in front of a notary, you are asking a neutral third party to witness your signature and confirm that you are who you say you are. Without ID, there would be no way for the notary to know whether the person signing is actually the person named in the document. That verification is what makes a notarized signature legally meaningful.

If you do not have a driver's license, you have other options. The key is that your ID must be current (not expired), issued by a government body, and include your photograph. Some notaries may also accept a passport card in addition to a full passport, though you should call ahead to confirm what that specific notary accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary needs to see government-issued photo ID to verify your identity, but a driver's license is not required — a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID will work.
  • Your ID must be current (not expired) and include your photograph for a notary to accept it.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, contact the notary before your appointment to confirm which forms of ID they will accept.
  • The notary's job is to witness your signature and confirm your identity to prevent fraud, not to judge the contents of your document.

What forms of ID a notary will accept

Government-issued photo IDs that notaries commonly accept include a U.S. passport, a state-issued ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID), a military ID, a passport card, and a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. Some notaries may also accept a foreign passport if it is current and includes a photo. The specific list can vary by notary and by state, so if you are unsure whether your ID will work, call the notary's office before you go.

Expired ID is generally not acceptable. A notary needs to confirm that your identity document is still valid. If your driver's license, passport, or state ID has expired, you will need to bring a different form of current ID or renew the expired one first. Some states have different rules about how recently an ID must have been issued, so again, a quick phone call to the notary can save you a wasted trip.

Student IDs, work IDs, library cards, and credit cards are not government-issued photo IDs and notaries will not accept them as your primary form of identification. If you have only these types of ID available, you will need to get a government-issued ID before you can be notarized.

How to get a state ID card if you do not drive

If you do not have a driver's license and do not plan to get one, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This card serves the same identification purpose as a driver's license but does not grant driving privileges. The process is similar to getting a driver's license: you will need to visit your local DMV office, bring proof of identity and residency, have your photo taken, and pay a fee.

The fee for a state ID card is typically lower than the fee for a driver's license — often between $10 and $30 depending on your state — and the card is valid for several years. You can find your state's DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" online. Most states now allow you to check what documents you need before you go, which can speed up the process.

If you need to be notarized soon and do not have time to get a state ID card, a passport is another option. A U.S. passport takes longer to obtain than a state ID (typically four to six weeks for routine service), but if you already have one, it will work for notarization right away.

What happens during a notarization appointment

When you arrive at a notary's office, bring your government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized. The notary will ask you to show your ID, will examine it to confirm it is current and matches your appearance, and will record some information from it (usually your name, ID type, and ID number). You will then sign the document in front of the notary, and the notary will add their official seal and signature to confirm they witnessed your signature.

The notary will not read your document or judge its contents. Their role is only to verify that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how many documents you need notarized and how busy the notary is.

Some notaries charge per signature or per document, and fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. A few notaries offer the service free if you are a customer of their bank or employer, so it is worth asking if you have a relationship with a bank or credit union.

Where to find a notary public

Notaries work in many places: banks, law offices, UPS stores, FedEx locations, some pharmacies, and independent notary offices. You can search for a notary near you by typing "notary public near me" into a search engine, or by calling your bank to ask if they offer notary services to customers. Some banks offer it free; others charge a small fee.

If you are in a rural area or have trouble finding a notary, you can also search your state's notary directory. Most states maintain a list of commissioned notaries that you can search by county or city. A quick online search for "[your state] notary directory" or "[your state] notary search" will take you to the right place.

Before you go, call ahead to confirm the notary is available, ask what forms of ID they accept, and ask about their fee. Some notaries require an appointment; others take walk-ins. A five-minute phone call can save you from making a trip only to find the notary is closed or does not accept your form of ID.

What to bring to your notarization appointment

Bring your current government-issued photo ID and the original document you need notarized. Do not sign the document before you arrive — the notary needs to watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it; you will need an unsigned copy.

If you are notarizing a document on behalf of someone else (as a power of attorney or guardian, for example), bring documentation of your authority to act on their behalf, such as a power of attorney document or court order. The notary will need to see this along with your ID.

Bring any other documents the notary asked you to bring when you called to schedule. Some notaries may ask for additional paperwork depending on the type of document you are notarizing, so clarify this when you make your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get something notarized with an expired ID?

No. A notary needs to confirm that your ID is still valid. If your ID has expired, bring a different current form of government-issued photo ID, or renew your expired ID first. Some states allow notaries to accept expired military IDs in certain situations, so you can ask the notary, but do not count on it.

What if I do not have any government-issued photo ID?

You will need to obtain one before you can be notarized. A state ID card is the fastest option if you do not drive — it typically takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. A passport takes longer but works if you already have one. Contact your state's DMV to find out what documents you need to bring to get a state ID card.

Can a notary notarize a document if I sign it at home?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You need to bring an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary. This is what makes the notarization legally valid — the notary is witnessing your signature in real time.

Do I need to know the notary personally?

No. A notary is a neutral third party. You do not need to have any relationship with them. Their job is to verify your identity and witness your signature, not to know you personally. You can use any notary public in your state.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

Some documents cannot be notarized, and some notaries decline certain types of notarization for personal or professional reasons. If a notary refuses, ask them why — they should be able to explain. You can then contact another notary to see if they will do it. If multiple notaries refuse, the document may not be notarizable, and you should speak with an attorney or the organization requesting the notarization.