You do not need a driver's license to sign an affidavit of support, but you do need a government-issued photo ID
An affidavit of support is a legal document where you promise to financially support someone — usually an immigrant — if they cannot support themselves. The person signing it (called the affiant) must prove their identity to a notary public, who then witnesses the signature. A driver's license works for this, but it is not the only option.
The notary's job is to confirm you are who you say you are before you sign. They will ask for a photo ID issued by a government body. A driver's license satisfies this requirement, but so do a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. The notary needs to see the ID in person — they cannot notarize a document remotely just by looking at a photo of your ID.
If you do not have a driver's license, you can still sign an affidavit of support using any other government-issued photo ID. The notary will record which ID they saw and note it on the notarization page.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license is one acceptable form of ID for signing an affidavit of support, but a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID will work just as well.
- The notary public must see your photo ID in person before they can notarize your signature — they cannot notarize based on a copy or photo.
- If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, you will need to obtain one before you can have the affidavit notarized.
- The notary will write down which ID they examined and include that information on the notarization certificate attached to the document.
What counts as acceptable ID for notarization
A notary public has a legal list of IDs they will accept. In most states, this list includes a driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card, military ID, and tribal ID. Some notaries will also accept a passport card (the wallet-sized version) or a permanent resident card (green card), though you should confirm this before your appointment.
The ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago in most states, though some states allow older IDs if the photo still looks like you. The notary will check that the photo matches your face and that the signature on the ID matches the one you are about to sign on the affidavit.
If you have moved recently and your ID shows an old address, that is fine — the notary is checking identity, not current residence. Bring the ID you have, and if the notary cannot accept it, they will tell you what other forms of ID they need.
How to find a notary and what to bring
You can find a notary at a bank, law office, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or courthouse. Many notaries work independently and advertise online. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask if they have experience notarizing affidavits of support — some notaries are more familiar with this document than others.
Bring your government-issued photo ID and the affidavit of support form itself. If you have not filled it out yet, ask the notary whether you should complete it before you arrive or whether they prefer you to sign it in front of them. Most notaries require you to sign in their presence.
The notary will charge a fee, usually between $5 and $25 per signature, though prices vary by location and notary. Ask about the cost when you call to schedule. Some banks offer notary services free to customers; if you have a bank account, call your branch first.
What happens if you do not have photo ID
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you will need to obtain one before the notary can notarize your affidavit. The fastest option is usually a state ID card, which you can get from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office. This is different from a driver's license and does not require you to pass a driving test.
A state ID card typically takes one to three weeks to arrive, though some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. Requirements vary by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go.
If you need the affidavit notarized urgently, a passport is another option. A passport can be obtained at a post office or passport acceptance facility, though standard processing takes several weeks. Expedited processing is available but costs more.
The notary's role in the affidavit process
The notary does not read or judge the content of the affidavit. Their only job is to confirm that you are the person named in the document and that you are signing it willingly, without pressure. They will watch you sign, then sign and stamp the document themselves.
The notary will attach a notarization certificate to the affidavit (or stamp it directly on the form). This certificate states the date, the notary's name and license number, and which ID was used to verify your identity. This certificate is what makes the document legally valid for immigration purposes.
If you sign the affidavit before seeing a notary, the notary will ask you to sign again in front of them. Do not sign the document ahead of time unless the notary tells you to.
Where the affidavit goes after notarization
Once the affidavit is notarized, it is ready to be submitted. The person you are supporting (the immigrant) will usually include it with their immigration paperwork when they file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or another immigration body. You do not submit it yourself.
Keep a copy for your records. The original notarized affidavit goes with the immigrant's process. If USCIS requests additional information or a new affidavit later, you will have your copy to reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired driver's license to sign an affidavit of support?
Most notaries will accept a driver's license that expired within the last five years, as long as the photo still looks like you. Some states allow older expired IDs. Call the notary before your appointment to confirm they will accept your specific ID.
What if I do not have a photo ID at all?
You will need to obtain one before the affidavit can be notarized. A state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles is usually the fastest option. Bring proof of identity, residence, and Social Security number to explore.
Can someone else sign the affidavit on my behalf?
No. You must sign the affidavit yourself in front of the notary. The notary needs to confirm your identity and watch you sign. No one can sign it for you, even with your permission.
Do I need to bring anything besides my ID and the affidavit form?
Bring your ID and the affidavit form. Some notaries may ask for additional information, such as your Social Security number or address, so they can fill out the notarization certificate correctly. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
How long does notarization take?
Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, sign and stamp the document, and you are done. Wait times at busy locations like banks or UPS Stores can be longer, so arrive early or call to schedule an appointment.