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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Can I Accept A Signer ID With An Outdated Address?

By NNA Staff

New Hotline Resized 3The address listed in the driver's license is not the signer's current address. Can I proceed with the notarization? — J.D., California

Yes, though state law does not require you to record the address in your journal. However, as a standard of care, you can record the current address in your journal and make a note that it is different than that shown on the signer's driver's license.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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6 Comments

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Paul Marchese

12 Oct 2020

When doing a refi signing, the borrower presented me with a current photo license with a year old address. When pressed, he gave me a different photo license with a stick on address label where his address would be. I had no doubt it was him but on a refinance I would think he had a whole year to get a license with his new address. I made copies of both but I don't think the one with the stick on return address label would be an acceptable form of legal ID. Thoughts?

Peter Hess

10 May 2020

In Texas as stated, if the ID is not within 30 days, it's technically an invalid ID and therefore we can't use it. Unless of course the person doesn't tell use they've moved then we don't know the difference but if we know, we can't be oblivious to the fact.

judy peterson

14 Jan 2020

I am confused...since when has it become a part of the notary's duty to also verify the signer's address for a proper ID?

Phyllis Denison

15 Jul 2019

I often get called to the So. AZ Home for Veterans. I ask for the driver's license first, but often, these men and women no longer have a driver's license, or the one they have has expired. I then ask for the VA Photo ID. They all have that and I use that as the form of ID.

MAURY

15 Jul 2019

If a person shows a passport for ID there is no address on that so why do you have to make any comment on an incorrect address on a drivers license

Reagan

15 Jul 2019

In Texas; you have 30 days to get an updated ID after moving. "Technically" after that time your id is no longer current. Therefore; I might have to refuse the notary depending on how long ago they moved.

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