Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

Menu
National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Can I accept a U.S. passport card as proof of identity in my state?

By NNA Staff, December 12, 2025

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

Is a U.S. Passport Card acceptable proof of identity for notarization in New York? I ask because it does not have a signature on it. — C.N., New York

No — and you are correct — The U.S. Passport Card does not contain a signature, and thus, you may not accept it.

Information about identification requirements in other states can be found in our U.S. Notary Reference guide online.

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, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

View All: Hotline Tips

6 Comments

Add your comment

Josh S.

15 Jan 2026

What if used as a second ID for the patriot act form?

National Notary Association

16 Jan 2026

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. – 6:00 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.

Carolyn Williams

08 Jan 2026

Very helpful

Charlie S.

05 Jan 2026

Can a US Passport be accepted for Norary purposes in the state of NJ ?

National Notary Association

05 Jan 2026

Hello. Yes, provided the passport meets state guidelines. Here are the Notary identification document guidelines for New Jersey: “A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence of the identity of an individual appearing before the notarial officer if the notarial officer can identify the individual by means of: “(a) A passport, driver’s license, or government-issued, non-driver identification card, which is current or expired not more than three years before the performance of the notarial act; or “(b) Another form of government-issued identification, which is current or expired not more than three years before the performance of the notarial act, and which: “(i) contains the individual’s signature or a photograph of the individual’s face; and “(ii) is satisfactory to the notarial officer….” (NJSA 52:7-10.8.f.[2][a]-[b]).

Doris Mitchell-Trice

16 Dec 2025

Thank you for the important information about NNA Hotline tip.

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close