New York Notarization Identification Requirements
New York notaries are required to verify the identity of each signer before performing a notarial act. The governing authority is New York Executive Law § 137 and the New York Notary Public License Law published by the Department of State. This guide explains what identification is acceptable, what is not, and what options exist when standard ID is unavailable.
Not legal advice. This page summarizes publicly available New York statutory requirements for informational purposes only. Requirements can change. Consult a licensed New York attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Direct Answer
New York notaries must verify signer identity through satisfactory evidence of identity. Acceptable forms include a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Alternatively, a notary may rely on the oath of a credible identifying witness who personally knows the signer and is known to the notary. The governing authority is New York Executive Law § 137 and the New York Notary Public License Law (NY Department of State).
Identity verification is one of the most fundamental duties of a New York notary public. Before performing any notarial act — whether an acknowledgment, jurat, or oath — the notary must be satisfied that the person appearing before them is who they claim to be.
Unlike some states, New York does not publish a closed statutory list of acceptable ID documents. Instead, the standard is "satisfactory evidence of identity," which is interpreted through the Notary Public License Law and professional guidance from the Department of State.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
The following forms of identification are generally accepted by New York notaries as satisfactory evidence of identity. All documents must be current (not expired) and include a photograph:
What Is Generally Not Acceptable
The following documents are generally not considered satisfactory evidence of identity for New York notarizations:
The Credible Identifying Witness Alternative
When a signer does not have acceptable government-issued photo ID, a New York notary may verify identity through the oath of a credible identifying witness. The credible witness must personally know the signer, must be personally known to the notary or must present satisfactory ID to the notary, and must swear or affirm under oath that the signer is who they claim to be.
This alternative is appropriate for signers who have lost their ID, are elderly or homebound and cannot obtain new ID, or are in a hospital or care facility without access to their documents.
NJNY recommendation: NJNY notaries are experienced with the credible witness procedure. If a signer may not have standard ID, contact us in advance so we can prepare the appropriate documentation and ensure the signing proceeds without delay.
Special Considerations for Hospital and Facility Signings
Hospital and nursing home signings present unique identification challenges. Patients may not have their wallet or purse, ID may be stored with personal belongings in a different location, or the patient may be a recent immigrant without U.S.-issued ID.
In these situations, NJNY notaries work with family members, case managers, and facility staff to identify the appropriate verification method — whether through available ID, a credible witness, or other means consistent with New York law.
NJNY's Identification Verification Practice
NJNY notaries follow a consistent identification protocol at every signing:
Request government-issued photo ID from every signer before the appointment.
Verify that the ID is current, contains a photograph, and matches the signer's appearance.
Record the type of ID and identifying information in the notary journal.
If standard ID is unavailable, arrange for a credible identifying witness in advance.
Official Sources
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NJNY Provides Professional Identity Verification at Every Signing
Our notaries follow a rigorous identification protocol at every appointment — at your location, throughout New York and New Jersey.