Notary Identity Verification: How to Prevent Fraud

Published September 25, 2024 · Updated May 26, 2026

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Identity fraud is the biggest risk in notarization. If you notarize a document for someone using a fake ID or pretending to be someone else, you could face civil liability and criminal charges. This guide focuses on the practical techniques for spotting fake identification and preventing fraud at the notary table.

Red Flags to Watch For

These signs do not always mean fraud, but they should put you on alert:

The signer is nervous, rushing, or pressuring you to skip steps
The photo on the ID does not look like the person in front of you
The signer cannot answer basic questions about the ID (address, birthdate)
The ID feels unusually thick, thin, or stiff
The signer shows you the ID briefly and tries to put it away fast
Multiple signers show up together and one seems to be coaching the other
The signer wants you to backdate or skip the journal entry

Checking IDs for Signs of Tampering

When you examine a government-issued ID, look for these specific things:

Holograms and security overlays. Most state driver’s licenses have holographic images that shift when you tilt the card. If the hologram looks flat or printed on, the ID may be fake.
Microtext and fine print. Many IDs have text so small it appears as a solid line to the naked eye. If you can read it clearly, it may be a cheap fake.
UV features. Some IDs have elements visible only under ultraviolet light. If you handle a lot of IDs from a particular state, a small UV pen light ($10 on Amazon) is worth keeping in your bag.
Edge quality. Real IDs have clean, sealed edges. Rough or peeling edges suggest a homemade laminate overlay.
Font consistency. Compare the font on the ID to a known real ID from the same state. Fake IDs often use slightly different fonts or spacing.
Photo quality. The photo should be integrated into the card, not pasted on. Look for lines, shadows, or misalignment around the photo.

Common Fraud Scenarios

Impersonation

Someone presents a real ID that belongs to someone else (a sibling, a friend, a stolen wallet). Check that the photo matches the person in front of you. Look at the height and eye color on the ID and compare. Ask the signer to confirm their date of birth or address. A legitimate signer answers without hesitation.

Forged Signatures on Documents

A signer presents a document that is already signed and asks you to notarize it without the actual signer present. For an acknowledgment, the signer must appear before you. For a jurat, the signer must sign in your presence. Never notarize a document you did not witness being signed (for a jurat) or where the signer did not acknowledge it in your presence.

Altered Documents

Someone has changed the name, dollar amount, or other terms on a document after it was signed. Look for white-out, erasure marks, or mismatched fonts on the document. If a document looks like it has been altered, ask the signer about it. If you are not satisfied with the answer, decline.

Coercion or Duress

One person is pressuring another to sign. You see this sometimes with elderly signers or in domestic situations. If the signer seems afraid, confused, or is being directed word-by-word by someone else, stop. Ask to speak with the signer privately. If they do not want to sign, decline the notarization.

What to Do When You Suspect Fraud

Decline the notarization. You are not required to notarize for anyone. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Do not accuse the person. Simply say “I am unable to notarize this document today” or “I need additional verification before I can proceed.” You do not need to explain why.
Document the interaction. Note in your journal (or separately) what happened, the date, and the reason you declined. This protects you if the incident comes up later.
Keep the document out of their hands only if you suspect a crime in progress. Otherwise, return the document to the signer. You are not law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be sued for refusing to notarize?

Generally no. You have the right to decline any notarization. As long as you are not discriminating based on protected characteristics (race, religion, etc.), your refusal is legal. Document why you declined in case you are questioned later.

What if the signer gets angry when I ask questions?

Stay calm and professional. Explain that identity verification is required by law and applies to everyone. If the signer continues to be hostile, decline the notarization and end the interaction.

Should I call the police if I suspect fraud?

If you believe a crime is in progress, you can call law enforcement. For most situations, declining the notarization and documenting the incident is sufficient. Use your judgment.

Notary Identity Verification: How to Prevent Fraud

Red Flags to Watch For

Checking IDs for Signs of Tampering