Tips For The Real Estate Agent

To help defend against forgery and fraud, state notary laws include requirements that parties signing document sin a real estate transaction to provide acceptable forms of identification. Although specific requirements may vary from state to state, here is a general overview of the types(s) of identification that are typically used to substantiate and affirm identity.

ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

The document must be current and contain the document signer’s photograph, physical description, signature, and bear a serial or other identifying number.

Check Valid Driver’s License or non-driver I.D. issued by any state.
CheckUnited States Passport
CheckValid United States Military I.D.
CheckValid Canadian or Mexican Driver’s License issued by the official agency.
CheckForeign Passport stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

UNACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

XTemporary Driver’s License
XDriver’s License without a photograph
XSocial Security card
XEmployee I.D. badge
XPermanent Resident I.D. card

Closing document signatures must match the name that appears on the identification presented. An abbreviated form (John D. Smith instead of John David Smith, for example) may be acceptable. However, deviation is only allowed if the individual is signing with less than and not more than what is on the identification document. If your name has changed, or will change, prior to the closing, documentation must be provided to support the change.