Can a Florida notary use a credible witness?
Short answer
Yes. Florida permits identification through the oath of a credible witness when the signer cannot produce acceptable identification.
Full explanation
The credible witness swears to the signer's identity under oath administered by the notary, and the witness must satisfy Florida's requirements as to how the witness themselves is known or identified.
Florida rules
Section 117.05(5)(b), Florida Statutes, provides for identification based upon the oath of a credible witness, and sets out how that witness must be known to the notary or identified.
Common mistake to avoid
A witness who benefits from the document is not disinterested. Read the statute before relying on a witness supplied by the family.
Sources & References
- Chapter 117, Florida Statutes — Notaries Public — Florida Legislature official source
Next step with QuitaDell
- Join QuitaDell as a Notary Professional — Grow your notary business with a NotaryConnect membership.
- Find a QuitaDell Notary Professional — Search verified mobile, remote and facility notaries in your area.
- Ask Quita — Ask Quita using QuitaDell's researched Notary Answers™.
Published
Last reviewed
Notary Answers™ by QuitaDell Enterprises — educational information about notarial procedure, not legal advice.
https://www.quitadell.com/notary-answers/fl/florida-credible-witness