What identification can a Florida notary accept?

Short answer

Personal knowledge of the signer, or reasonable reliance on identification documents named in Florida law — such as a Florida driver license or ID card, a U.S. or foreign passport, or a U.S. military card — or the oath of a credible witness.

Full explanation

Florida's statute lists the acceptable identification documents specifically, which is why Florida notaries should read the list rather than rely on general practice from another state.

Florida rules

Section 117.05(5), Florida Statutes, defines "reasonable reliance on the presentation of" identification and lists the acceptable documents, including a Florida driver license or identification card issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a passport issued by the United States Department of State, a United States military identification card, and other identification documents named in the statute. Florida requires that the identification document be current or issued within the past five years. Section 117.05(5)(b) also permits identification by the oath of a credible witness.

Example

A signer presents a Florida driver license that expired eighteen months ago. Because Florida allows identification issued within the past five years, the notary may rely on it if the statutory conditions are met.

Common mistake to avoid

"Issued within the past five years" is not the same as "any expired ID." Read the statute before relying on an expired document.

Sources & References

Chapter 117, Florida Statutes — Notaries Public — Florida Legislature official source
Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries — Executive Office of the Governor (Florida) official source

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