How to Spot a Fake ID: Essential Tips for Notaries
Published August 23, 2024 · Updated May 26, 2026
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Verifying identity is one of the few things every notary must do at every appointment. If you notarize a document for someone using a fake ID, you could lose your commission and face a lawsuit. Most fake IDs are not sophisticated. With a few simple checks, you can catch the common ones. This guide covers what to look for, what to do when something feels off, and what tools help.
Types of Fake IDs You Will See
- Counterfeit: Entirely fabricated. Usually a cheap fake designed to fool someone who does not look closely. Common with college-age signers trying to pass as older.
- Altered: A real ID with modified information. Someone changed the birth date, name, or photo. Look for uneven lamination, mismatched fonts, or blurry text where the alteration was made.
- Borrowed: A real ID belonging to someone else. The photo resembles the presenter but is not actually them. This is harder to catch, especially with siblings or people of similar appearance.
In a notary context, counterfeit IDs are the most common problem. Borrowed IDs show up occasionally, often in situations where someone is trying to sign documents on behalf of another person without proper authorization.
What to Check on Every ID
When someone hands you their ID, take 10-15 seconds to check these things before proceeding:
- Photo match. Look at the photo, then look at the person. Does the face shape, hair color, and approximate age match? If the person is wearing glasses in the photo but not now, that is fine. If the person looks 10 years older or younger than the photo, take a closer look.
- Expiration date. Is the ID current? Some states accept IDs expired within 3 years, but a 10-year-old expired ID is a problem.
- Name match. Does the name on the ID match the name on the document being signed? If the document says “Robert Smith” and the ID says “Bob Smith,” you may need to have the signer sign as “Robert Smith” to match the document.
- Physical feel. Real driver’s licenses have a specific weight and flexibility. If the ID feels like printer paper or stiff plastic, it may be fake.
- Security features. Tilt the ID under light. Look for holograms (present on all US driver’s licenses), microprinting (tiny text visible with magnification), and UV features (visible under blacklight).
Red Flags
- The signer avoids eye contact or seems nervous when you examine the ID
- The ID has rough or peeling edges (signs of delamination and re-lamination)
- Font sizes or styles are inconsistent across different parts of the ID
- The photo looks like it was printed on a different printer than the rest of the card
- The hologram does not change when you tilt the card
- The signer produces the ID from a pocket or bag very quickly, as if they do not want you to look at it closely
- The birth date would make the signer significantly older or younger than they appear
One red flag alone does not mean the ID is fake. But if you notice two or three, you should examine the ID more carefully or refuse the notarization.
What to Do When You Suspect a Fake
You do not need to prove the ID is fake. You just need to be unsatisfied with the identification. If something does not look right, simply say: “I am not able to verify your identity with this ID. Do you have another form of identification?”
If they cannot produce satisfactory ID, refuse the notarization. Document in your journal that you declined due to inability to verify identity. You do not need to accuse anyone of having a fake ID. Just note that the identification was insufficient.
Do not confiscate the ID, call the police, or make a scene. Your job is to refuse the notarization, not to enforce ID laws. Let the person leave.
ID Scanners and Verification Tools
Some notaries carry ID scanners that read the barcode or magnetic stripe on the back of driver’s licenses. These devices cost $50-$200 and can detect fake barcodes, expired IDs, and inconsistent data. They are not required in any state but they add a layer of protection.
The ID Checking Guide ($25-$40) is a printed reference book that shows the current design and security features of every US state ID, passport, and military ID. Many notaries keep one in their bag. It gets updated annually.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Most states accept these forms of identification for notarization:
- State-issued driver’s license or ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Permanent resident card (green card)
Some states accept foreign passports, tribal ID cards, and inmate ID cards. Check your state’s rules. Social Security cards, birth certificates, and credit cards are never acceptable as sole identification for notarization because they do not contain photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize for someone whose ID just expired?
Depends on your state. Most states accept IDs expired within the last 3-5 years. A few states (like California) only accept current IDs. Check your state’s specific rule.
What if the signer has no ID at all?
About half of states allow credible witnesses (people who know the signer and can vouch for their identity under oath). The credible witnesses must have their own valid ID. Some states require two credible witnesses. Check your state’s requirements.
Can I be sued for refusing to notarize?
You can be sued for almost anything, but refusing a notarization because you could not verify identity is defensible. You would have a much bigger legal problem if you notarized for someone with a fake ID.
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Updated May 2026.
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