Can a North Carolina Notary Accept an Expired ID?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a North Carolina notary public can notarize documents using an expired driver’s license or ID, the answer is simple: No.

Temporary Law vs. Notary Law in North Carolina

Recently, North Carolina passed temporary legislation allowing law enforcement officers to accept expired driver’s licenses in limited circumstances (such as DMV closures or emergencies).

👉 But here’s the key takeaway: this does not apply to notaries.

As a commissioned North Carolina notary public, we are bound by the North Carolina Notary Public Act (N.C.G.S. § 10B). This law sets strict rules on what qualifies as valid identification. For notaries, an expired ID is never acceptable.

Why Notaries Cannot Accept Expired IDs

Law enforcement and notaries operate under different legal frameworks. While police officers may temporarily accept expired licenses, notaries must protect the integrity of notarized documents. That means every signer must prove their identity with a current, government-issued photo ID that meets state requirements.

According to N.C.G.S. § 10B-3(22):

“Satisfactory evidence of identity” requires a current document issued by a federal, state, or tribal government agency that:

Bears the individual’s photographic image

Includes either the individual’s signature or a physical description

Acceptable Forms of ID for Notarization in North Carolina 

To complete a valid notarization, North Carolina notaries can accept:

A current, unexpired state-issued driver’s license

A state-issued ID card (unexpired)

A U.S. passport or passport card (current)

A foreign passport (valid and current)

A tribal-issued photo ID (current)

A U.S. military ID (must be valid and contain required identifying details)

🚫 Not valid for notarization: Expired driver’s licenses, expired passports, or any identification past its validity date.

Why This Matters for Your Documents

Using a valid ID ensures your notarized documents — whether a will, trust, deed, affidavit, or loan signing — are legally recognized. If a document is notarized with an expired ID, it may be rejected by courts, financial institutions, or government agencies.

Mobile Notary Services You Can Trust

Need a professional notary public in Western North Carolina? At Free Range Notary, we:

🚙Travel to you — home, office, hospital, or any location that works best

🌄Offer same-day notary services when available

🖋️Handle everything from estate planning documents to real estate closings, affidavits, and loan signings

⚖️Guarantee compliance with North Carolina notary law so your documents are legally binding and secure

📞 Call (828) 793-1184 today or email freerangenotary@proton.me to schedule your mobile notary appointment.

At Free Range Notary, we make notarization convenient, compliant, and stress-free — We move to your groove!