Identification

At Upstate Notary Public, we take identity verification seriously to ensure the integrity of all notarized documents. To have a document notarized, you must present an acceptable form of identification that meets South Carolina notary public requirements.

Requirements

• The name on the ID must match the name on the document being notarized.
• The signer must be physically present at the time of notarization.
• The signer must be mentally competent and willing to sign the document.

In South Carolina, a notary public can accept the following forms of current/non-expired identification to verify a signer’s identity:

• any US State-issued Driver’s License
• any US State-issued Identification Card
• a U.S. Passport
• a U.S. Military ID
• Tribal Identification Card
• Permanent Resident (Green) Card issued by USCIS
• any US Government-issued Photo IDs (must contain a photograph, signature, and physical description)

EXPIRED ID: If the form of Identification is expired, it must have been issued within the last five years.

LACK OF ID: If a signer lacks proper identification, a notary can rely on a credible witness who personally knows the signer and presents their valid ID.

• Credible Witness – A third party who personally knows you and is willing to swear to your identity in front of the notary. The credible witness must provide their valid government-issued ID and take an oath affirming your identity.
• Personal Knowledge – If the notary personally knows you and can verify your identity without an ID, this may be an option at the notary’s discretion.

Unacceptable Forms of Identification

The following forms of identification cannot be used for notarization purposes:

• Social Security Cards
• Birth Certificates
• Any Temporary or Paper IDs
• Credit or Debit Cards
• School or Employer IDs (unless issued by the US Government)
• Expired IDs (beyond five years from the issue date)