Valid Forms of Identification
Learn about the types of identification required and/or allowed by the Code of Virginia for proving your identity to a notary public.
Notaries public are prohibited from notarizing any document unless the identity of the signer has been satisfactorily proven to them. Unless you are personally known to me, you must present proof of your identity at every notarial appointment. The only forms of satisfactory evidence of identity as the following (§ 47.1-2):
No other forms of identity can be used to verify your identity. Additionally, I require that all forms of identification be valid (not expired) and complete (no cracks, pieces missing, etc). I also reserve the right to refuse any form of ID that I suspect may not be authentic and genuine, which may have been altered, or which may be of a form or design that I am not familiar (i.e., some out-of-state IDs).
When using certificates, you must present the original or court-certified copy. When using passport book, you must present the original valid passport – no pages may be missing. When using identification cards, all cards must be unexpired and have a photo. If the card is signed, the signature on your document must match the signature on your identification card.
If the signer is a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility (as defined in § 32.1-123), the Code of Virginia (§ 47.1-2) allows the use of an expired passport or state-issued drivers license or photo identification card, provided that the document expired within the last 5 years. If this is not an option, the signer will need to prove their identity through alternative means
Virginia does make provisions in the event that none of the above 8 methods of identification are available. These provisions require you having multiple witnesses that are able to prove their identity and swear or affirm under penalty of perjury as to your identity. If this is the case for you, please contact me for further information or instructions.
Privacy Note: I may record and keep information including the serial number from your identification (i.e., drivers license number) in my official notary journal book. At no time will I record or keep a serial number that is also your Social Security number. No notary has the authority to make and keep copies of your identification. For details about what information I obtain and retain, please check my privacy policy.