What to bring to your appointment

Identification Requirements

All persons appearing for notarial services, whether they are the signer of the document (the principal) or a required witness, must present valid government-issued identification at the time of service.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver's License
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Military Identification Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Alien Registration Card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

All identification presented must contain a photograph and must be current or otherwise acceptable under Florida law.

If you do not possess an acceptable form of identification, please contact our office prior to your appointment. In some circumstances, Florida law may permit identification through the use of credible witnesses.

Please have all identification ready before your appointment to help ensure timely service.

Witness Requirements

Certain documents require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. Witnesses serve an important role by observing the signing of a document and helping verify the identity of the signer.

Who May Serve as a Witness?

A witness should:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be mentally competent and able to understand the purpose of witnessing the document.
• Be physically present when the document is signed.
• Present valid photo identification if requested by the notary.
• Have no direct involvement in the notarization itself.

Who Should Not Serve as a Witness?

A witness generally should not:

• Be a person whose signature is being notarized.
• Be the notary public performing the notarization.
• Have a direct financial interest in the transaction whenever possible.
• Be named as a beneficiary when a disinterested witness is required by law or by the document itself.

Providing Your Own Witnesses

Clients are encouraged to bring their own witnesses whenever possible. Witnesses should arrive with valid photo identification and remain present for the signing.

Witnesses Provided by Ericsson Notary & Services

If you do not have witnesses available, Ericsson Notary & Services may be able to provide witnesses for an additional fee. Witness availability is not guaranteed and must be arranged in advance.

Appointment Required for Witness Services

If you require witnesses to be provided by our office, an appointment is required to ensure witness availability. Witness services are subject to scheduling and additional fees.

Please contact our office before your appointment if you are unsure whether your document requires witnesses.

Credible Witnesses

A credible witness is a person who personally knows the signer and can swear or affirm the signer's identity to the notary public when the signer does not have acceptable identification available.

Credible witnesses are used only in limited situations and must meet specific requirements under Florida law. They help establish the identity of a signer who cannot reasonably obtain acceptable identification but still needs a document notarized.

When May a Credible Witness Be Used?

A credible witness may be considered when:

• The signer does not possess acceptable identification.
• The signer cannot reasonably obtain acceptable identification.
• The credible witness personally knows the signer.
• The credible witness can swear or affirm the signer's identity before the notary.

Requirements for a Credible Witness

The credible witness must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Personally know the signer.
• Be honest, impartial, and willing to take an oath or affirmation.
• Present valid government-issued photo identification to the notary.
• Not have a financial or beneficial interest in the document or transaction.

One or Two Credible Witnesses

Depending on the circumstances, Florida law may allow:

• One credible witness who personally knows both the signer and the notary; or
• Two credible witnesses who personally know the signer and present acceptable identification to the notary.

Important Notice

The use of credible witnesses is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not available for every notarization. If you do not have acceptable identification, please contact Ericsson Notary & Services before your appointment to discuss whether a credible witness may be used under Florida law.