Proof of Identity

Requirements

So, what’s considered an “acceptable” form of identification when seeking the services of a notary public?

Accepted forms of identification for having notarial services performed include the following:

Every signer must show valid (not expired) photo identification. All identification must contain a photo, a physical description, a signature and a serial number. Arkansas recognizes the following types of identification if issued within the last 5 years:

State issued driver's license

State issued identification card

U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State

U.S. military ID

State, county and local government IDs

Permanent resident card, or "green card," issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Unaccepted forms of identification may include the following:

Birth certificates

Social security cards

School identification cards

Credit cards/Debit cards

Credible witnesses are required to sign an affidavit which states:

If you are unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification, you may be able to verify your identify to the notary public through a credible witness. A credible witness is a person who knows the signer of the document and can vouch for his or her identity. The witness appears at the time of the notarization and takes an oath or affirmation before the Notary that the signer is who they claim to be but lacks other forms of ID.

Essentially, a credible identifying witness serves as a human ID card for the signer. It’s important to note that NOT all states allow the use of credible witness to verify a signer’s identify.

The signer of the document is known to the credible witness.

The credible witness believes the signer of the document does not possess an acceptable form of identification.

The credible witness believes the signer of the document is reasonably unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification.

The credible witness has no financial interest or incentive for the document’s execution.

Checking and verifying the signer’s identify is critical step in performing a notarial service. Some people may view it as a nuisance, but it’s performed to safeguard against fraud. So the next time you need a document notarized, remember to bring one of the accepted forms of identification mentioned above.

(501) 295-8256

Proof of Identity

Categories

Central Arkansas Based

Downloadable Forms

Requirements