Key Takeaways
- Government-issued ID with photo, signature, and physical description required
- Valid driver's license and passport are primary acceptable IDs
- ID must be current and unexpired
- Notary must verify ID appears genuine and matches the signer
- Alternative methods exist when acceptable ID is unavailable
Last updated: January 2026
Acceptable Identification Documents in Nebraska
Satisfactory Evidence of Identity
Nebraska law requires notaries to establish the identity of signers through "satisfactory evidence." This is crucial because identity fraud prevention is a primary responsibility of notaries.
Primary Acceptable Identification
| ID Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Driver's License | Current, government-issued, with photo |
| State ID Card | Current, government-issued, with photo |
| U.S. Passport | Current and unexpired |
| Passport Card | Current and unexpired |
| Military ID | Current, with photo |
| Other Government Photo ID | Must have photo, signature, physical description |
ID Requirements Checklist
All acceptable IDs must include:
| Element | Required |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Yes |
| Signature | Yes |
| Physical description | Yes (height, weight, eye color, etc.) |
| Issue date | Yes |
| Expiration date | Yes (must not be expired) |
| Issuing authority | Yes (government agency) |
Examining the ID
When examining an ID, the notary should verify:
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Expiration | ID must be current (not expired) |
| Photo match | Photo resembles the person present |
| Physical description | Height, weight, eye color match |
| Signature | Signature matches document signature |
| Tampering | No signs of alteration or forgery |
| Security features | Holograms, watermarks, microprinting |
IDs That Are NOT Acceptable
| Unacceptable ID | Reason |
|---|---|
| Social Security card | No photo |
| Credit/debit cards | Not government-issued, no physical description |
| Employee ID badges | Not government-issued |
| Student ID cards | Not government-issued |
| Expired IDs | No longer valid |
| Foreign IDs (most) | May not meet all requirements |
Special Consideration: Foreign Passports
Foreign passports are generally acceptable if they:
- Are current and unexpired
- Contain a photograph
- Contain the signer's signature
- Appear genuine
On the Exam
- Government-issued photo ID is required
- ID must have photo, signature, and physical description
- Expired IDs are NOT acceptable
- Notary must compare photo and physical description to the signer
- Social Security cards and credit cards are NOT acceptable
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of identification for a Nebraska notarization?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A signer presents a driver's license that expired two weeks ago. What should the notary do?
A
B
C
D