Real-World Scenarios

Let’s say you're asked to notarize a will. The signer appears in person, but their ID is expired. Can you proceed? In most states, the answer is no. An expired ID may not fulfill the legal requirements of "satisfactory evidence." However, in some cases, two credible witnesses may be used to vouch for the signer — but that comes with its own set of rules and documentation needs.

In another case, someone might try to use a school ID or a temporary paper license. Without photo identification and physical description, these likely wouldn't qualify as proper ID either. As a notary, you have every right — and responsibility — to refuse the notarization until proper identification is presented.