What IDs Can a Colorado Notary Accept?

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Verifying a signer’s identity is the most important part of a notarization. Colorado law under RULONA (CRS 24-21-507) gives notaries three methods for identifying signers: government-issued identification, personal knowledge, and credible identifying witnesses. Each method has different requirements.

Acceptable Government-Issued IDs

Colorado accepts identification documents that meet all of the following criteria:

• Issued by a federal, state, or tribal government
• Contains a photograph of the individual
• Contains the individual’s signature
• Contains a unique identifying number
• Has an expiration date (and is not expired)

Common forms of ID that meet these requirements:

• Colorado driver’s license or state ID card
• Driver’s licenses from other US states
• US passport or passport card
• US military ID (Common Access Card)
• Tribal identification cards
• Permanent resident card (green card)
• Foreign passport (if not expired)

IDs That Do Not Qualify

These documents do not meet Colorado’s requirements for notary identification:

• Student ID cards (no expiration date or not government-issued)
• Employee badges or workplace IDs
• Credit cards with photos
• Social Security cards (no photo)
• Birth certificates (no photo)
• Expired IDs of any kind
• Matricula consular cards (not issued by a US government agency, though some debate exists)
• International driver’s permits (not a government ID; supplement to a passport)

Personal Knowledge

Unlike California, Colorado allows notaries to identify signers through personal knowledge. If you personally know the signer and have no doubt about their identity, you can proceed without requesting ID. You must be certain enough that you would be willing to swear to their identity under oath.

Personal knowledge works for neighbors, coworkers, family friends, or anyone you know well enough to identify with certainty. It does not apply to someone you just met or recognize vaguely from around town. If you’re not sure, ask for ID.

Credible Identifying Witnesses

If the signer does not have acceptable ID and you do not know them personally, Colorado allows identification through credible witnesses. A credible witness is someone who:

• Presents acceptable ID to you
• Personally knows the signer
• Takes an oath or affirmation that the signer is who they claim to be

Colorado’s statute allows one credible witness if the notary personally knows the witness, or two credible witnesses if the notary does not know either witness personally. Both witnesses must present acceptable ID and swear to the signer’s identity.

Handling Expired IDs

Colorado requires the ID to be current (not expired). If a signer presents an expired driver’s license, you cannot accept it, even if it expired recently. The signer will need to provide a different form of acceptable ID or be identified through credible witnesses.

Some notaries in other states can accept recently expired IDs under specific rules, but Colorado’s statute does not provide that flexibility. The “not expired” requirement is straightforward.

Name Discrepancies

The name on the ID should match the name on the document. Minor variations are usually acceptable:

• “Robert J. Smith” on the ID and “Robert Smith” on the document is fine.
• “Bob Smith” on the ID and “Robert Smith” on the document may require explanation. Bob is a common nickname for Robert, but you should confirm with the signer.
• “Mary Johnson” on the ID and “Mary Johnson-Wilson” on the document is a problem. The signer may have changed their name. They need ID that matches the document name.

When names do not match closely enough, the signer needs to either get updated ID or provide additional documentation (such as a marriage certificate) to explain the discrepancy. As the notary, you are verifying identity, not name changes.

Military IDs

Military Common Access Cards (CAC) are acceptable because they are government-issued with a photo, signature, and expiration date. However, some older military IDs do not have expiration dates. If the military ID lacks an expiration date, it does not meet Colorado’s requirements. The Uniformed Services ID Card (DD Form 2765) that retired military members carry sometimes falls into this category.

Recording Identification in Your Journal

Your notary journal entry should document how you identified the signer. Record the type of ID presented (e.g., “Colorado DL #XX-XXX-XXX, exp. 01/15/2028”) or note “personal knowledge” or “credible witness” with the witness’s name. This documents how you identified the signer — useful if anyone challenges the notarization later.

Common Questions

Can I accept a photo of someone’s ID on their phone?

No. You need to see the physical ID card so you can examine its security features and confirm it is not a forgery. A photo on a phone screen could be manipulated and does not allow you to verify the document’s physical characteristics.

What if the signer only has a foreign passport?

A foreign passport is acceptable if it is not expired and meets the other requirements (photo, signature, identifying number). Verify the name matches the document and record the passport number in your journal.

Can I accept a Colorado medical marijuana card as ID?

No. Medical marijuana cards do not contain all the required elements (typically no signature) and are not a standard government identification document. The signer needs a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other qualifying document.

What do I do if I suspect the ID is fake?

Decline the notarization. You are not required to explain your reasoning, and you should not accuse the signer of having a fake ID. Simply state that you are unable to verify their identity and suggest they bring a different form of ID. If you believe a crime is being attempted, note the incident in your journal.

Does the signer need to present ID for every notarization?

Not if you personally know the signer. Personal knowledge is sufficient in Colorado. But if you do not know the person, or if you have any doubt, always request ID. Better to ask than to guess.