What ID Do I Need to Get a Document Notarized in Florida?
Understand acceptable Florida notarization identification, the five-year issuance rule, passports, expired IDs, and credible-witness alternatives.
For an in-person Florida notarization, the Notary must identify the signer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Common options include a Florida driver license or identification card, a U.S. passport, or another identification credential listed in section 117.05, Florida Statutes.
The statute allows listed credentials that are current or were issued within the past five years and bear a serial or other identifying number. Because an expiration date and an issue date are not the same, send the Notary the type of ID—not sensitive ID numbers—before relying on an expired credential.
Commonly accepted identification
The statute lists several forms of identification. The Notary must inspect the original credential and determine whether it reasonably establishes the signer’s identity. A photo, scan, or number typed into a message is not a substitute for presenting the credential at an in-person appointment.
- 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
- A properly stamped foreign passport and certain identification issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Specified veteran, Florida Department of Corrections, or federal inmate identification
What if my identification is expired?
Do not assume any expired card will work. Florida’s statute refers to listed credentials that are current or issued within the previous five years. The issue date, credential type, condition, and identifying details matter. Contact the Notary before the appointment so there is time to review lawful alternatives.
Credible witnesses and personal knowledge
Florida law also permits identity to be established through sworn credible witnesses in defined circumstances. One credible witness may be used when personally known to the Notary, or two credible witnesses may be used when they present acceptable identification. The witnesses must meet statutory conditions and swear to the required facts; this is not simply having a friend “vouch” for someone.
Prepare every signer
Each person whose signature will be notarized should have acceptable identification and personally appear. Make sure the name on the document can be connected to the name on the ID. Ask the document recipient how name variations should be handled; a Notary cannot alter your document or provide legal advice.
Name differences and special situations
A middle initial, married name, shortened first name, or suffix can create questions even when the person is clearly the intended signer. The Notary must be reasonably satisfied of identity, while the receiving institution may impose stricter requirements. Contact the document recipient before the appointment if names differ materially.
For a signer who lacks a qualifying credential, the credible-witness process is a legal identity method, not a convenience shortcut. Credible witnesses must meet statutory conditions, have no financial interest in the document, and swear or affirm to the signer’s identity and circumstances. Arrange this with the Notary in advance.
- Bring supporting name-change records if the recipient requests them
- Do not alter the printed signer name without authorization
- Never send a full identification number by ordinary email or text
- Ask about credible witnesses before everyone travels
