Can a California Notary Notarize My Driver's License or Passport?
By John F. Heinz, Managing Director, Prismark Signature Services
Published: August 30, 2026
Quick Answer
Generally, no. A California Notary Public does not notarize an original driver’s license or passport, and California law does not authorize a notary to certify a copy of these documents. California Notaries may directly certify copies only in limited circumstances, such as a power of attorney and certain notary journal entries when officially requested.
If an organization asks for a notarized copy of your driver’s license or passport, a procedure commonly called Copy Certification by Document Custodian may be an option if the receiving organization will accept it. With this procedure, the document holder makes a written statement certifying the copy, and the Notary Public notarizes the holder’s signature on that statement – not the driver’s license or passport itself.
Before scheduling the appointment, confirm exactly what the receiving organization requires.
For questions about the notarization process, contact Prismark Signature Services at (213) 563-0758.
Key Takeaways
- A California Notary Public cannot place a notarial seal on an original driver’s license or passport to certify that the identification document itself is genuine.
- California Notaries generally cannot directly certify copies of driver’s licenses or passports.
- A Copy Certification by Document Custodian may be possible in some situations, but the signer – not the notary – certifies that the copy is true and correct.
- The Notary Public notarizes the signer’s signature on the written statement, not the copy itself.
- The receiving organization should confirm in advance whether it will accept this procedure.
- A California Notary Public cannot tell a client which procedure or notarial act the receiving organization requires.
Why Can’t a Notary Notarize My Passport or Driver’s License?
A Notary Public performs authorized notarial acts involving a signer or, in limited circumstances specifically permitted by California law, certifies a copy. A driver’s license or passport is already an identification document issued by a government authority. A California Notary Public is not authorized to place a notarial seal on the original identification document to certify that it is genuine.
California also limits the documents a Notary Public may directly certify as copies. The state’s general copy-certification authority is limited to a power of attorney and certain copies of the notary’s own journal entries when officially requested. That means a California notary cannot directly certify a photocopy of a driver’s license or passport as a true copy.
What Is a Copy Certification by Document Custodian?
Copy Certification by Document Custodian is an alternative procedure that may be used when a person needs a notarized statement concerning a copy of a document. Instead of the Notary Public certifying the copy, the document holder signs a written statement declaring that the copy is a true and correct copy. The Notary Public then performs the notarial act requested for the holder’s signature on that statement.
The important distinction is that the signer is making the statement about the copy. The Notary Public is notarizing the signer’s signature and is not certifying the driver’s license, passport, or photocopy itself.
How Does the Process Work?
- The document holder makes a copy of the driver’s license or passport.
- The holder prepares or is provided with a written statement certifying the accuracy of the copy.
- The holder personally appears before the Notary Public with satisfactory evidence of identity.
- The holder identifies the notarial act required for the written statement. If a jurat is required, the statement is signed in the Notary Public’s presence and the holder takes an oath or affirmation.
Will Every Organization Accept This?
No. Acceptance depends on the organization requesting the document. Some organizations may accept a Copy Certification by Document Custodian, while others may require a copy or certification issued through a government authority or may specify a different procedure.
This is especially important when documents are being submitted to a foreign country, consulate, government agency, school, financial institution, or other organization with its own document requirements. Confirm the receiving organization’s requirements before having anything notarized.
What If the Copy Will Be Used Outside the United States?
International document requests can involve additional requirements, including apostille or authentication. A notarized document-custodian statement is not automatically acceptable simply because it can be notarized in California. The destination country or receiving organization determines what it will accept.
If a properly prepared California notarized document requires an apostille, Prismark can also assist with California apostille processing. The document should first be confirmed as acceptable for its intended use before apostille service is requested.
You’re in Good Hands With Prismark
For your peace of mind, Prismark is a bonded California Notary Public, background screened, and carries $1 million in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Prismark has also earned 200+ five-star Google reviews from clients we have served.
Your important documents are handled with professionalism, confidentiality, care, and clear communication throughout the process.
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How Prismark Can Help
If you have been asked to provide a notarized copy of a driver’s license or passport, Prismark Signature Services can explain what a California Notary Public is permitted to notarize and how a Copy Certification by Document Custodian works. We can review any instructions or notarial wording supplied by the receiving organization and perform the appropriate notarial act when the request complies with California law.
Prismark provides professional mobile notary services throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities. If the resulting notarized document also requires a California apostille for international use, expedited apostille service may be available for properly prepared qualifying documents.
Contact Prismark Signature Services at (213) 563-0758 for more information or to discuss your appointment.
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Professional Notice
The information provided in the Prismark Library is for general educational purposes only. Prismark Signature Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Requirements can vary depending on the organization requesting the driver’s license, passport, or copy. Prismark cannot determine what form of certification a receiving organization will accept or choose a notarial act for a client. Confirm the receiving organization’s requirements before your appointment.
If you have questions about the legal effect or acceptability of a document, contact the receiving organization or a qualified attorney.
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