Can a Florida notary accept an expired ID?
Short answer
Florida permits reliance on an identification document that is current or was issued within the past five years, provided it is one of the document types listed in the statute.
Full explanation
This makes Florida more permissive than states that require unexpired identification — but the five-year window and the statutory document list both apply. An ID issued eight years ago does not qualify, no matter how clearly it identifies the signer.
Florida rules
Section 117.05(5)(b)2., Florida Statutes, describes reasonable reliance on identification that is "current or issued within the past 5 years."
Common mistake to avoid
Record in your journal that the identification was expired and the issue date you relied on.
Sources & References
- Chapter 117, Florida Statutes — Notaries Public — Florida Legislature official source
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