Notary Bulletin Hotline Tip: How Many IDs Are Needed For A Notarization? By Kelle Clarke on April 16, 2014 in Hotline Tips As a certified Notary Signing Agent in Pennsylvania, how many forms of identification are required from my signers, and are thumbprints mandatory or optional? – A.C., Pittsburgh, PA For performing a notarial act on loan documents requiring notarization in Pennsylvania, you are only required to ask for one current, government-issued form of identification containing a photograph, signature or physical description to identify the principal signer. Acceptable IDs can include a state-issued driver’s license, a military ID card, a government-issued ID card, a PA non-driver photo ID, or a current passport. However, there is a specific form within loan packages, called the "USA Patriot Act Notification and Customer Identification Verification" form, which will usually ask for two forms of identification from signers. While that form may require Signing Agents to record two forms of identification, the form itself is not notarized. In Pennsylvania, a thumbprint is not required; however, the NNA recommends the practice as an added protection against fraud. Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. –The Editors Kelle Clarke is a Contributing Editor with the National Notary Association. Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST Email Share Leave a Comment Required * Name * Email *(for verfication purposes only) Comment * Enter the text shown in this image *(text is case sensitive)All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.