In California, a valid signer ID, as per CA law, must be either current or, if expired, should have been issued within the last five years. An expired ID issued more than five years before the notarization date may not be deemed acceptable.

This is applicable to signer IDs provided for both acknowledgments and jurats. Some states offer clear directions on how to handle expired ID’s and others leave with no answer, but to use your own judgment. It’s best to consult your handbook and know your state rules.

Some states like Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon or West Virginia have adopted the Revised Uniform Law On Notarial Acts (RULONA), which allows a notary to use an ID that expired up to three years.

Arizona, Pennsylvania and Texas all require the ID’s to be current and issued by the federal government.

Virginia allows residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes to use expired identification documents, such as a United States Passport Book, United States Passport Card, foreign passport, state-issued driver’s license, or state-issued identification card, for identification purposes. The document’s expiration must have occurred within five years of the date it is used for identification.

Pam Adame Mobile Notary and Signing Agent