Hello fellow notaries,
What other form of Identifications can we accept if a client has an expired ID living in a nursing home? I’ve asked for SS Award letter, current bill, SS Card,…etc? Please share your experiences signing a client in a nursing home with an expired Driver’s License as they currently do not drive. Appreciate y’alls tips and advices.
Thank you kindly for sharing your expertise!
@ev.fullerton This query is best posed to the business entity within your State that issues the Notarial Commissions regarding the acceptance of expired licenses; e.g., in some States it’s the Secretary of State, etc.
Best to get the straight scoop from the proverbial ‘horse’s mouth’ as such things can vary from State-to-State.
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@ev.fullerton where are you located? That will help us help you as this is a state-specific requirement.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
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@ev.fullerton You’re Welcome! 
Always best to go directly to the Source for your information that guides your business decisions & honoring regulations for the professional services you provide to your clients.
Same advice as everyone else, but I would add to contact your hiring company to let them know what type of ID the signer has, the situation, and when it expired, and ask for direction. This is quite common with elderly folks in nursing homes. Even though they don’t drive, they could still obtain a state issued ID card. But some folks just don’t want to bother.
If it was a direct hire – the person at the nursing home is the person who hired you – then follow your state’s ID rules for notaries
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os49.pdf
Acknowledgment, Verification, Witnessing, and Certifying of Notarial Officer - Oath - Evidence - Penalty if Bad Faith
From what I can tell, it looks appears you can accept a State issued ID or driver’s license that has expired within the last year.
This is from the Metropolitan Library in Oklahoma Notary Public | Metropolitan Library System
- "Valid photo identification is required of all signers. Accepted IDs are:
- State issued ID or driver’s license (current or expired within the last year)
- US Passport
- US Military ID
- Tribal ID"
How did this turn out for you?
You should first check the local state laws regarding what they will accept.
If the ID is expired in WA it has to be accompanied by at least two other forms of ID.
I ask for a SS Card or a Medicare card. A birth certificate. You can turn in the ID if the photo matches and confirm it with two other forms.
Last week I was asked to do a signing with a lady with an expired DL but she went and got the renewal and it was re-scheduled we did it Tuesday. So in WA you put the expired photo ID on top of the paper issued by the state that says this is valid ID when accompanied by the expired photo ID.
And her DL number had changed so you have to watch for that. And then correct the Patriot Act Form. One of the Reverse Mortgage lenders fills out the Patriot Act for them you only have to verify looking at the physical ID.
Kind of off-topic; however, I met with a client last month at a nursing home who had a current driver’s license, and her birthdate was in April 1924. She was mentally sharp as a tack and looked to be no more than 70 years old. Very unusual. And this is why it’s important to have a real conversation with the person who’s hiring you. If they can’t produce a valid ID, then it’s your job to inform them that they should arrange credible witnesses with valid IDs to vouch for the identity of the signer.
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