How REAL ID Regulations Impact Notary Work in Florida

B. Elise
05.19.25 09:33 AM - Comment(s)

Real ID Regulations and Their Impact on Florida Notaries

As a Notary Public and Notary Educator in Florida, it's crucial to stay informed about evolving identification standards that influence our profession. One significant development is the implementation of the REAL ID Act, which has implications for how we verify identities during notarizations.

Understanding the REAL ID Act

Enacted by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Starting May 7, 2025, individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to access certain federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board federally regulated commercial aircraft . In Florida, REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

Implications for Florida Notaries

While the REAL ID enhances security measures, it's essential to understand its specific impact on notarial practices:

  1. Acceptance of Identification: Florida notaries are not mandated to accept only REAL ID-compliant documents.Any valid, government-issued photo identification remains acceptable, including non-REAL ID driver's licenses, passports, and military IDs .​rainbownotaryandnuptials.com

  2. Expired IDs: Florida law permits the acceptance of expired IDs for notarization, provided they were issued within the past five years and contain a photograph and signature .​NotaryCam Online Notary Public+1

  3. Digital IDs: Currently, Florida does not accept digital IDs displayed on smartphones for notarization purposes.Physical identification must be presented to confirm identity.

Best Practices for Notaries

To navigate these regulations effectively:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly consult the Florida Department of State and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for updates on acceptable identification forms.

  • Educate Clients: Inform clients about the types of identification required for notarization, emphasizing the importance of presenting physical, government-issued IDs.

  • Verify Diligently: Always examine IDs carefully, ensuring they meet the criteria set forth by Florida law, regardless of REAL ID status.

Conclusion

While the REAL ID Act introduces new standards for identification, its direct impact on notarial duties in Florida is limited. As notaries, our primary responsibility remains the accurate verification of identities using valid, government-issued IDs. By staying informed and adhering to state guidelines, we continue to uphold the integrity of our profession.

For further information on acceptable identification and notarial practices in Florida, please refer to the Florida Department of State's Notary Education FAQs.

B. Elise