Acceptable identification
Identification for a Florida notarization
A notary must personally know the signer or have satisfactory evidence of identity. Florida law lists specific credentials and a narrowly defined credible-witness process.
Common credentials
Bring the original ID, current or recently issued
Florida's statute lists credentials that are current or were issued within the previous five years and that contain a serial or other identifying number. The notary must reasonably rely on the credential and record the type of identification in the certificate.
- Florida driver license or Florida identification card
- United States passport
- Driver license or identification card issued by another U.S. state or territory, Canada, or Mexico
- United States military identification card
- Veteran health identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Certain immigration, inmate, or foreign-passport credentials that meet Florida's specific conditions
Credible witnesses
No ID does not automatically mean no solution
Florida permits identification through the sworn written statement of one credible witness personally known to the notary, or two credible witnesses whose identities are proven with satisfactory evidence. The witnesses must personally know the signer, lack a financial interest, and meet the statute's other conditions.
This is not a casual substitute for forgotten ID. Discuss it before scheduling so the witness requirements can be reviewed.
Name matching
The notary must connect the person to the document
A middle initial, married name, suffix, or spelling difference can create uncertainty. Provide only a general description of the mismatch before the visit, not an image of the ID. The receiving party may need to correct the document.
Questions for this topic
Know what to expect before the visit
These answers are specific to this page. For broader questions, use the complete mobile notary FAQ.
Visit all FAQsCan an expired ID be accepted in Florida?
Florida's statute refers to listed identification that is current or has been issued within the previous five years. Acceptance still depends on the credential and the notary's reasonable reliance, so discuss the exact type and issue date before travel.
Can a foreign passport be used?
Florida lists a foreign passport when it meets the statute's immigration-related condition. Because the details matter, identify the credential type before the appointment and bring the original document.
Can a family member be my credible witness?
A credible witness must meet several requirements, including personal knowledge of the signer and no financial interest in or party status to the underlying transaction. Relationship alone does not qualify or disqualify someone. Review the circumstances before scheduling.
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