Foundations
Identification and Verification
How to properly verify signer identity — acceptable IDs, credible witnesses, and red flags.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Every state has specific requirements for acceptable identification. Generally, an ID must be:
- Current (or issued within the last 5 years)
- Government-issued (state DL/ID, US passport, military ID)
- Contain a photo of the signer
- Contain a physical description of the signer
- Contain a signature of the signer
Credible Witnesses
When a signer doesn’t have acceptable ID, some states allow the use of credible witnesses — people who personally know the signer and can swear to their identity.
Two credible witnesses must:
- Personally know the signer
- Not have a financial interest in the transaction
- Swear under oath to the signer’s identity
Red Flags
Watch for these warning signs:
- Nervousness beyond normal signing anxiety
- Reluctance to show ID or make eye contact
- Signer appears to be under duress
- Blank or incomplete documents
- Signer doesn’t seem to understand what they’re signing
- Multiple signers who don’t seem to know each other
If you see red flags, decline to notarize. It’s always better to walk away than to notarize a fraudulent document.
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