I am wondering if it’s acceptable for me to accept a tribal ID. Is it required for me to make a copy of the ID or is it just required to record it in my notary journal? — M. G., Washington
Yes, it is acceptable to accept a tribal ID, no, you should not make a copy of the ID, and yes, you must record the ID in your journal. With respect to your first question, a Notary can accept government-issued identification that is current or expired not more than 3 years before performance of the notarial act provided it is satisfactory to the notarial officer (RCW 42.45.050[2]). A tribal government that issues an ID qualifies under the statute. You must decide whether it is satisfactory to you to accept it. In answer to your second question, a Notary should not photocopy or maintain a photocopy of an identification card. To your third question, Washington statute says you must note in your journal a “A description of the notary public’s method of identifying the principal” (Wash. Admin. Code 308-30-200[1][b].
For more information about Notaries and tribal IDs in other states, please read our article, “Unusual IDs — Acceptable or not?”
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
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