Can I accept a military ID with no signature?

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Is a current military ID without a signature or physical description an acceptable form of ID for notarization? — S. K., California

No, the military ID must contain an identifying number and the photograph, signature, and physical description of the bearer to be accepted for a notarization in California. A military ID card without a signature or physical description cannot be accepted by a CA Notary (Civil Code 1185).

For more information on different state ID requirements, please see our article “Notary guidelines for accepting or rejecting a signer’s ID.”

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 consultants 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.

5 Comments

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Lisa R Johnston

06 Oct 2023

Question: can I face time with a Military Service Man that is stationed in another country and notarize a document for him with his permission for his father to sign his name?

National Notary Association

09 Oct 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Steven Baughman

02 Oct 2023

In WA you sure can! RCW 42.45.050 (ii) Another form of government identification issued to an individual, which is current or expired not more than three years before performance of the notarial act, contains the signature OR a photograph of the individual, and is satisfactory to the officer;

William H Sills III

Sheryl D. Amstrong

18 Sep 2023

Article: Can I accept a military I.D. without no signature? It is important to ask questions when it's not certain of how to proceed in life and business with a specific I.D. This particular scenario is a perfect question for clarity in our today's changing society. Various I.D. cards can and will be presented. While things constantly change, a military I.D. has specific elements to it including: name, branch affiliation; expiration date, photograph of the bearer and a identification number and other important images as a signature. Also, there are different types of military I.D.'s: spouse; dependents; retirees and other personnel etc. They may not be a specific expiration for reasons or type of I.D. You must check all the details necessary for the appropriate one. You can also look up the differences and specifics that can help educate you as to all the various I.D. cards. Thank you for emphasizing and pointing out all the characteristics of the Military I.D. card because people produce fake ones also. So crucial and imperative knowledge. Have a pleasant day.

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