Acceptable Forms of ID for Notarization in NC

One of the primary duties of a Notary Public is to verify the identity of the document signer. This prevents fraud and ensures that the person signing the document is exactly who they claim to be. In North Carolina, state law dictates what forms of identification are acceptable.

Standard Requirements for ID

To be accepted by a North Carolina notary, your identification must generally meet the following criteria:

• It must be issued by a state or federal government agency.
• It must contain a photograph of your face.
• It must contain your signature.
• It must be current and unexpired.

Commonly Accepted Forms of ID

The most frequently used and accepted forms of identification include:

• Driver's License: Issued by North Carolina or any other U.S. state.
• State Non-Driver ID Card: Issued by the DMV.
• U.S. Passport: A valid, unexpired United States passport.
• Foreign Passport: Must be stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• U.S. Military ID: Must contain a photo and signature. (Note: Some modern military IDs do not contain a signature and may require supplemental ID).
• Tribal ID Card: Issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Unacceptable Forms of ID

The following forms of ID are NOT acceptable for notarization in North Carolina:

• Social Security Cards
• Birth Certificates
• Credit Cards or Debit Cards
• School or University ID Cards
• Library Cards
• Expired IDs of any kind

What if I don't have a valid ID?

If you do not have a valid, unexpired government-issued ID, you may still be able to have your document notarized using Credible Witnesses.

A credible witness is someone who personally knows you and can swear under oath to your identity. In North Carolina, you typically need two credible witnesses who have valid ID themselves, are not named in the document, and do not have a financial interest in the transaction.