Tennessee notary ID requirements
Before any document can be notarized in Tennessee, the notary has to confirm the signer is who they say they are. That almost always means a current, government-issued photo ID. Here is what you can bring, what to avoid, and what to do if you do not have an ID on hand.
Accepted forms of identification
Any of these work as long as they are current, contain a photograph, and match the name on the document being signed.
- Tennessee driver's license or state-issued ID card
- Driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state
- Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- U.S. military ID card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Unexpired foreign passport
What is not accepted
- • Expired identification of any kind
- • Social security cards or birth certificates (no photo)
- • Employer or school IDs without a state seal
- • Photocopies or digital images of an ID
No ID? Use credible witnesses
Tennessee allows a signer without acceptable ID to be identified by credible witnesses. Two witnesses who personally know the signer can appear at the notarization, present their own valid photo IDs, and swear under oath that the signer is who they claim to be. The witnesses cannot have a financial interest in the document.
How to prepare for your appointment
- • Bring the unsigned document. Do not sign it beforehand.
- • Have your photo ID ready and make sure the name matches the document.
- • Every signer needs to be present in person with their own ID.
- • If you plan to use credible witnesses, arrange for them to arrive at the same time.
We travel across Dickson and Middle Tennessee, evenings and weekends included.
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