What type of identification must a notary public possess when performing notarial acts?

For a notary public in California to perform notarial acts, they are required to possess a valid, government-issued identification that includes a photo. This requirement ensures that the identity of the individual appearing before the notary can be authenticated reliably. Government-issued IDs, such as a driver’s license or a passport, are designed specifically for identification purposes and typically contain security features that help in verifying their authenticity.

Using a government-issued ID with a photo provides a clear and recognizable image of the individual, making it easier for the notary to confirm that the person signing the documents is indeed who they claim to be. This helps protect against fraud, ensuring the integrity of the notarial act.

Other forms of identification, such as a company-issued ID, do not meet the standard for a notarial act because they may not have uniform security measures or a photo that is widely accepted for the purpose of identification in legal contexts. Similarly, an identification with just a social security number lacks the necessary verification features and does not provide a visual representation of the individual. A credit card with a signature is also inappropriate, as it does not serve as a primary form of identification and can easily be forged.