What happens if you need a document notarized but don’t have a valid government-issued ID? In some cases, the law allows the use of a credible witness to verify your identity — but this option is strictly regulated and not available in every state.
Here’s what clients need to know about using a credible witness instead of ID, when it’s allowed, and when it’s not.
What Is a Credible Witness?
A credible witness is a person who personally knows the signer and swears (or affirms) to the notary that:
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The signer is who they claim to be
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The signer does not possess acceptable ID
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The signer is signing willingly and knowingly
The credible witness must appear in person (or on the same RON video session, where permitted) and take an oath administered by the notary.
When Is a Credible Witness Allowed?
A credible witness may be used only if state law permits it. Many states allow credible witnesses as an alternative to ID, but the rules vary.
States that commonly allow credible witnesses (with conditions) include:
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California
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Florida
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Texas
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New York
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Georgia
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Arizona
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North Carolina
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Virginia
Some states require one credible witness, while others require two.
Always follow the law of the notary’s commissioning state.
Who Can Serve as a Credible Witness?
A credible witness must:
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Personally know the signer
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Be personally known to the notary or present valid ID
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Be impartial and neutral
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Be mentally competent
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Be willing to swear or affirm under penalty of perjury
In some states, the credible witness must also:
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Have no financial interest in the document
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Not be named in the document
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Not be related to the signer
Who Cannot Be a Credible Witness?
A person cannot serve as a credible witness if they:
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Are named in the document
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Will benefit from the document
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Are signing the document themselves
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Have a conflict of interest
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Are not legally competent
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Are prohibited by state law (such as close relatives in some states)
If the witness does not meet legal requirements, the notary must refuse the notarization.
How the Credible Witness Process Works
When a credible witness is used, the notary will:
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Verify the identity of the credible witness using valid ID
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Administer an oath or affirmation to the witness
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Ask the witness to swear that they know the signer
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Record the witness’s information in the notary journal
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Note the use of a credible witness in the notarial certificate
This creates a legal record protecting all parties.
When a Credible Witness Is Not Allowed
Even in states that allow credible witnesses, they cannot be used for:
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Remote Online Notarization (in most states)
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Mortgage and loan signings (lender rules)
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Real estate deeds in many states
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DMV transactions
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Documents where the receiving agency requires ID
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Situations involving fraud or identity doubt
If the receiving agency requires ID, a credible witness will not be accepted — even if state law allows it.
Why Credible Witnesses Are Used Sparingly
While credible witnesses are legal in some states, they are considered a last resort because:
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They increase fraud risk
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They rely on third-party honesty
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They may be challenged later
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Some courts and agencies reject them
That’s why most notaries prefer government-issued ID whenever possible.
How to Prepare If You Need a Credible Witness
If you think you’ll need a credible witness:
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Confirm your state allows it
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Ask the notary in advance
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Bring a qualified witness with valid ID
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Confirm the receiving agency will accept it
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Be prepared to reschedule if requirements aren’t met
Conclusion
Yes — in some states, you can use a credible witness instead of ID — but only under strict conditions. Because rules vary by state and agency, credible witnesses should be used only when absolutely necessary and legally permitted.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we help clients determine whether a credible witness is allowed and ensure every notarization meets state law and agency requirements — protecting your documents from rejection.
