Under the North Carolina Notary Public Act (N.C.G.S. § 10B-3(22) and § 10B-40), every signer must be positively identified before a notarization may take place.
A signer must present current, government-issued photo identification that contains:
A photograph of the signer
The signer’s signature
An expiration date
Acceptable IDs include:
State-issued Driver’s License (from any U.S. state or territory)
State-issued Identification Card (non-driver)
U.S. Passport
Foreign Passport (must be stamped by U.S. Customs & Border Protection)
U.S. Military Identification Card*
Valid, unexpired foreign government-issued ID (such as a consular ID or foreign driver’s license) if it includes the required elements
Important:
IDs must be valid and unexpired. Even if expired by one day, they cannot be accepted.
Some newer military IDs may not qualify if they lack a photograph, signature, or expiration date.
If the signer cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, North Carolina law allows identification by a credible witness (N.C.G.S. § 10B-3(22)(b)). The conditions are:
The credible witness must personally know the signer.
The credible witness must present valid ID to the Notary.
The credible witness must take an oath or affirmation swearing to the signer’s identity.
The Notary must complete and attach a Credible Witness Affidavit to the notarial certificate.
North Carolina notaries are not permitted to make exceptions outside these statutory requirements. If a signer cannot meet the above conditions, the notarization cannot be performed.
📞 Contact Free Range Notary Today
Call (828) 793-1184 or email freerangenotary@proton.me to schedule your appointment.