Updated 6-16-17. I’ve been asked to notarize documents for a couple from Mexico who only has their Matricula Consular cards for identification. They brought in friends to identify them, but they also have only the Matricula Consular cards, and I don’t know either party. What should I tell them? -J.T., Orange, CA

Because Mexican 'matricula consular' cards lack a physical description of the bearer, they are not acceptable under the new CA law. To be accepted as proof of identity, a consular ID in California  must must be current or issued in the past five years, have a serial or identification number, and contain the signature, photograph and description of the individual. 

Federal authorities view the identification issued by Mexican consulates as highly susceptible to fraud. If your signer cannot produce an acceptable form of identification or credible witnesses that possess acceptable identification, you have no other choice but to refuse the notarization. To date only two states, Nevada and Illinois, allow Notaries to accept Matricula Consular cards from Mexico as satisfactory evidence of identification.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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