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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Can I accept a temporary ID from a signer?

By NNA Staff on April 10, 2023

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

Are we allowed to accept a signer’s temporary ID from the DMV to notarize a document? — K. C., California

No. A temporary ID issued by the California DMV is not an acceptable form of identification for the purposes of notarization. This type of ID does not meet the requirements of CA Notary law to identify a signer.

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Related Articles:

Can Notaries accept a learner’s permit as proof of identity?

View All: Hotline Tips

6 Comments

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suzanne@rstechsolution.com

17 Apr 2023

I have a question. I"m a notary. Can I notarize with 2 witnesses my husband's notary service request for his business low voltage job permits?

National Notary Association

18 Apr 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Angela

20 Apr 2023

In California, can a Notary be a witness in a document that they are notarizing? Example, if I notarize a Quit Claim Deed and there’s two witnesses needed, can I also service as a witness as well?

National Notary Association

21 Apr 2023

Hello. In states that don’t provide specific rules, like California, the safest course is for Notaries to turn down requests to notarize and also act as private document witnesses on the same document. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2018/05/notary-tip-requests-to-serve-as-a-document-witness

Regina

24 Apr 2023

Why are all of these problem solving topics all related to just California??? I'm in ohio. What about showing things bu ohio laws

National Notary Association

26 Apr 2023

Hello. We cover Notary information related to all 50 states. Here are links to some articles related to Ohio Notary issues and news: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2023/04/hotline-will-i-invalidate-a-will-if-i-notarize https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/08/sweeping-changes-ohio-notary-law

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