Review the following policy and re-confirm you will have ID.
Review Website FAQs for ID Specifics
If the signer's ID has expired, please review the issue date of the ID. If the ID was issued within the last 5 five years, then the Notary can use it to move forward with identification and notarization.
- However, if this is a real estate transaction, this would not apply, signer must have current ID.
If signer does not possess any of the IDs listed in FAQs, they must obtain one from the local authority (for example, Department of Motor Vehicles).
If signer does not possess any ID and it is very difficult or impossible for them to obtain one (typically elderly, not always), then the signer will need to provide 2 Credible persons that can identify them. Both Credible Persons must have a valid photo ID. Per F.S. 117.05(5)(b)1., the Credible Persons will also sign an affidavit.
Credible persons can be a relative, but they cannot be named in the document nor receive any personal benefit from the transation (must remain impartial).
All Credible Persons and Signatures Witnesses MUST have unexpired government issued photo ID, for example, Driver's License or Passport. Non-negotiable. Review FAQs for acceptable ID.
Using Credible Persons as Signature Witnesses:
If the document requires signature witnesses and the signer requires credible witnesses due to the lack of ID, the credible witnesses can also serve as signature witnesses. However, this is not the ideal situation. Best practice would be to have 2 credible persons and 2 different signature witnesses. TMF Notary can provide the signature witnesses for a fee. However, Florida law does not preclude you from using credible witnesses as signature witnesses. It is the signer's preference.