6.2 Acceptable Identification Documents
Key Takeaways
- Primary acceptable IDs include passport, driver's license, and government-issued non-driver ID
- IDs must be current or expired not more than one year
- ID must contain signer's signature OR photograph
- Foreign passports and driver's licenses are acceptable
- Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado Digital IDs are acceptable
Last updated: January 2026
Colorado law specifies which identification documents satisfy the "satisfactory evidence" requirement for notarial acts.
Always Acceptable IDs
The following are always considered satisfactory evidence of identity:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport | Current or expired not more than 1 year |
| Driver's License | Current or expired not more than 1 year |
| State-Issued Non-Driver ID | Current or expired not more than 1 year |
| Foreign Passport | Current or expired not more than 1 year |
| Foreign Driver's License | Current or expired not more than 1 year |
ID Requirements
Must Contain Either:
| Requirement Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Signature | Signer's written signature |
| Photograph | Photo of the signer |
Currency Requirements
| Status | Acceptable? |
|---|---|
| Current (not expired) | Yes |
| Expired within 1 year | Yes |
| Expired more than 1 year | No |
Other Government-Issued IDs
Other government-issued IDs may be acceptable if they:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Issued by government | Federal, state, or local |
| Contains signature OR photo | At least one required |
| Current or expired within 1 year | Same currency requirement |
| Satisfactory to notary | Notary has discretion |
Examples of Other Acceptable IDs
| ID Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| U.S. Military ID | Generally accepted |
| U.S. Passport Card | Same as passport book |
| Tribal ID | If meets requirements |
| Permanent Resident Card | Green card |
IDs That May Be Problematic
| ID Type | Issue |
|---|---|
| Student ID | May not be government-issued |
| Employee ID | Not government-issued |
| Credit cards | Not government-issued |
| Social Security card | No photo |
Colorado Digital ID (Effective January 1, 2026)
New Law: HB 25-1076
Colorado House Bill 25-1076, signed by Governor Polis on March 14, 2025, authorizes digital driver's licenses as satisfactory evidence.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 |
| What's Accepted | Colorado Digital ID on mobile device |
| Format | State-issued mobile identification |
| Same Weight | Equal to physical card |
Impact on Notaries
| Before January 1, 2026 | After January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Physical ID required | Digital or physical accepted |
| Mobile ID not valid | Colorado Digital ID valid |
ID Verification Checklist
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Photo match | Does photo look like signer? |
| Name match | Does name match document? |
| Expiration | Is ID current or expired within 1 year? |
| Alterations | Any signs of tampering? |
| Overall validity | Does ID appear genuine? |
On the Exam
- Primary IDs: Passport, driver's license, state ID
- Expiration rule: Current or expired within 1 year
- Required elements: Signature OR photograph
- Digital ID: Accepted starting January 1, 2026
- Foreign IDs: Acceptable (passport, driver's license)
Test Your Knowledge
A signer presents a driver's license that expired 8 months ago. Is this acceptable?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
When can Colorado notaries begin accepting digital driver's licenses on mobile devices?
A
B
C
D