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
Acceptable Identification Documents
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