📍 Los Angeles 📞 (310) 526-0200
5103 West Adams Blvd., Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90016
📍 Beverly Hills 📞 (424) 253-8149
113 N San Vicente Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
5103 West Adams Blvd., Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90016
113 N San Vicente Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
We get calls all the time from people who need something notarized but don’t have a valid ID. California has a way to handle it: credible witnesses. If you don’t have an acceptable ID, two people who know you, and who do have valid IDs, can swear to who you are in front of the notary. You bring your two witnesses, and Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan takes care of the rest.
Before you line up witnesses, check your ID. An ID that has expired can still be used if it was issued within the last five years.
Need a notary in Los Angeles? Mobile and in-office California notary. Same-day appointments available.
A California notary can accept these IDs, as long as they’re current or were issued within the last five years:
The notary has to see the original. Copies aren’t accepted.
A credible witness is someone who personally knows you and swears to your identity in front of the notary. Each witness has to:
Plan on bringing two credible witnesses. Both come with you, both show their valid IDs, and both take the oath in front of the notary.
We know it isn’t always easy to get everyone together. Your two witnesses have their own schedules, and getting them to an office can be the hardest part. That’s one reason we’re mobile: we can come to your home, office, hospital, care facility or another location that works for everyone. The one thing that can’t change is that you and both witnesses have to be there at the same time.
If you don’t have an ID and need something notarized, call or text 310-526-0200. Tell us what the document is and that you’ll be bringing two witnesses, and we’ll set a time at our office or at your location.
A credible witness is a person who personally knows the signer and is willing to swear or affirm the signer’s identity under penalty of perjury. In California, two credible witnesses are required if the signer has no valid ID. They must have valid ID themselves and not be named in or benefit from the document.
Generally, a family member may serve as a credible witness if they are not named in the document and do not stand to benefit from it. However, using a neutral third party is recommended whenever possible to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
If neither credible witness has valid identification, the notary will not be able to proceed. California notaries are legally required to verify witness identity using an accepted government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
No. Some agencies or institutions may not accept notarizations done using credible witnesses instead of government-issued ID. We recommend checking with the document recipient before proceeding to ensure acceptance.
You’ll need to bring two credible witnesses who personally know you, have valid photo ID, and are not named in or benefiting from the document. Let us know in advance so we can confirm that your witnesses qualify under California law. You can also contact us for help preparing.
No. California notaries can't notarize online yet, so you and your witnesses need to appear in person, at our office or with a mobile visit.
There is no extra fee for using credible witnesses, but standard notarization fees apply. You can review our notary pricing page for details on in-office and mobile notarization costs.
If you lost your ID, you can still get your document notarized by bringing two qualifying credible witnesses. We recommend calling ahead so we can help ensure your witnesses meet all state requirements and expedite your appointment.
Yes. California notaries are legally required to verify the signer’s identity either through valid ID or two credible witnesses. If you cannot provide either, the notary must decline the notarization.
You’re in the right place. At Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan, we specialize in helping clients who lack traditional ID. We’ll guide you through the process and help you meet the legal requirements using credible witnesses. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Live Scan & Fingerprinting: Same-day mobile and in-office services, including FD-258 ink cards, for employment, licensing, immigration, and background checks.
FBI Background Checks: Secure fingerprint-based checks for jobs, visas, travel, and legal needs—expedited available.
Apostille & Authentication: California and federal apostille services for Hague and non-Hague countries.
International Document Services: Document preparation, translations, and processing for international use.
Notary Public Services: Mobile and in-office California notary. Appointment only.