What identification is needed for a notary in PA?

Asked by: Amalia Bayer  |  Last update: December 10, 2025
Score: 5/5 (39 votes)

A passport, driver's license or government-issued nondriver identification card, which is current and unexpired.

What forms of ID are acceptable for notary in PA?

Preferred identification documents include: Pennsylvania driver's license or non-driver's ID. Driver's license or identification card from another U.S. state. A U.S. passport. Foreign passport stamped for entry into the U.S. by the immigration and Naturalization Service.

Does notary need 2 forms of ID?

Two forms of identification might be needed, especially in states like California and Florida, for transactions or if the signer is not well-known to the notary. Primary IDs often include a driver's license, passport, or military ID, while secondary IDs might involve credit card statements or utility bills.

What information is needed for a notary?

What to Bring to a Notary
  • The completed document you wish to notarize.
  • Valid photo ID that meets state requirements.
  • Any other individuals (with proper ID) who will be signing the document.
  • Payment for notarial services.

What is satisfactory evidence of identity for a notary?

In most states, to verify the identity of a signer for notary services, a notary public may only use one of the following acceptable forms of identification: 1) a current state or federal issued identification card from a United States government office; 2) the signer is personally known to the notary; or 3) on the ...

How to become a notary in PA, Step by Step Walkthrough

29 related questions found

What is a valid form of proof of identity?

A government issued ID

You can bring your driver's license, state issued ID or passport as proof of your identity.

What is a credible identifying witness for a notary?

California requirements for credible identifying witnesses

A credible witness must know the signer well enough to swear or affirm five facts to the Notary: The signer is named in the document. The credible witness personally knows the signer. The signer doesn't possess a qualifying identification document.

What questions does a notary ask?

The most common questions Notaries ask
  • What is an acceptable ID? This clearly takes the top spot. ...
  • Can I notarize this document? This is a frequent question asked by both new and experienced Notaries. ...
  • What kind of notarization is required? ...
  • How do I complete the notarial certificate?

What invalidates a notarized document?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Which of the following is a requirement of an acknowledgment?

An acknowledgment requires the following steps: The signer must physically appear before you. You as the notary must positively identify the signer according to your state's rules. The signer may either sign the document before appearing before you, or in your presence.

Can I notarize with a foreign passport?

For instance, California and Tennessee require all foreign passports to include a serial or ID number, a photo, physical description, and signature of the holder, even if stamped by USCIS (California Notaries may accept a foreign passport without a USCIS stamp).

Which of the following is a satisfactory form of identification?

Final answer: Satisfactory forms of identification for notarial acts include a U.S. passport and a driver's license issued no more than three years prior. While some IDs can be expired under specific conditions, a five-year expired ID would generally not meet the requirements.

Can two people notarize a document separately?

If you have a document that requires notarization and needs to be signed by more than one person, you and the other signer(s) can meet with a notary in one of the following ways: In the same meeting on the same device (up to 2 signers) In the same meeting on separate devices. In separate meetings at different times.

What is acceptable proof of identification in PA?

In order to do this, the only documents that may be used to identify the individual making the application are a valid PA Photo Driver's License, a valid PA Photo Identification Card, a valid PA Photo Exempt Driver's License, a valid PA Photo Exempt Identification Card, a valid Pennsylvania 15-day temporary internet ...

What is a notary form to verify identity?

An identity verification form is a notarized document that is used to prove that a person is who they claim to be. The person will fill in some basic personal information, such as their name and address, and sign the form before a notary.

Can I notarize for a family member in PA?

A Pennsylvania Notary may not notarize signatures on documents that the Notary's spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest in. On the other hand, some states, such as Illinois and Texas, do not restrict Notaries from notarizing for relatives.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

What happens if you do a notary wrong?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

How do I prepare a document for a notary?

To make a notarized letter, begin with your contact details, create a clear message explaining the purpose of the letter. Include any legal language if necessary. Conclude with a formal closing and leave space for your signature. And that's how you write a statement that needs to be notarized.

What do you look for when you check a document notary?

Notaries use their own digital certificate to sign documents electronically. You can trust the notary's identity because it's been verified by the certificate issuer and embedded within the certificate. To verify an online notarization, you need to check the validity of the notary's digital certificate.

Which state has the hardest notary exam?

California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.

Can anyone be a witness for a notary?

Your witness must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when witnessing a document's execution. They also can't be in a position to benefit from the contract or be related to one of the signers. If they are, they're creating a conflict of interest.

What makes a witness not credible?

An attorney can show jurors a witness is not credible by showing: 1) inconsistent statements, 2) reputation for untruthfulness, 3) defects in perception, 4) prior convictions that show dishonesty or untruthfulness, and 5) bias .

When verifying the facts of a notarization, the notary must?

The signer must physically appear before the notary and provide valid ID. The notary verifies the signer's identity and ensures they are willing to sign. The signer signs the document in the notary's presence. The notary completes the notarial certificate wording.