The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set a REAL ID enforcement deadline, and time is ticking. You can check the countdown clock on the official DHS website: REAL ID Countdown. But what does this mean for everyday citizens and professionals, especially notaries? Let’s dive into the importance of REAL ID, its requirements, and how it affects notarial acts.
What Is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant license (or an alternative acceptable identification, like a passport) to board a domestic flight, enter federal facilities, or access certain government services.
A REAL ID-compliant license or ID is distinguished by a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner.
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you’ll need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide:
✅ Proof of identity (e.g., valid passport or birth certificate)
✅ Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or tax document)
✅ Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Requirements may vary slightly by state, so check with your local DMV.
REAL ID and Notarial Acts
Notaries play a vital role in verifying identities for legal documents, real estate transactions, affidavits, and more. A common requirement for notarization is a valid, government-issued identification.
What Does REAL ID Mean for Notaries?
- REAL ID is not required for notarization – Notaries can still accept any valid government-issued ID, whether REAL ID-compliant or not.
- Some states accept expired IDs – If the state allows, a notary may accept an expired driver’s license within a certain period (e.g., within 5 years).
- Foreign passports are still valid for notarization – REAL ID only affects U.S. citizens for domestic travel; foreign passports remain valid for notarial purposes.
- Military IDs & Passports remain accepted – These are REAL ID-compliant and widely used for notarization.
Why This Matters for Traveling Notaries & Clients
For mobile and traveling notaries, knowing ID requirements is crucial when verifying a signer’s identity. If a client only has a non-compliant license, that’s still valid for notarial acts—but not for flying domestically after the deadline.
If you’re notarizing documents for clients who travel frequently, advising them about REAL ID could help them avoid last-minute travel disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- REAL ID enforcement starts May 7, 2025.
- A REAL ID is required for domestic flights but NOT for notarization.
- Notaries can still accept non-REAL ID driver’s licenses, passports, and other valid government-issued IDs.
- Clients needing notarization should be aware of identification requirements before scheduling an appointment.
Notaries should stay informed about REAL ID laws to help their clients navigate these changes smoothly. Whether you’re notarizing loan documents, legal affidavits, or travel-related paperwork, educating clients about proper identification ensures a seamless notarization process.
For more details and to check your REAL ID status, visit DHS REAL ID.