Can you use an expired ID for a notary in Virginia?

Only in one case: residents of assisted living facilities and licensed nursing homes may use an ID that expired within the last 5 years (§ 47.1-2). Otherwise the ID must be current, or credible witnesses can be used.

What if the signer has no ID at all?

Virginia allows credible witnesses who personally know the signer: one witness who is personally known to the notary, or two witnesses who show their own valid photo ID (§ 47.1-2).

Notary questions · Virginia

What ID do you need for a notary in Virginia?

A current photo ID for each signer. If the ID is expired or missing, Virginia law still offers options, especially for nursing home and assisted living residents.

IDs that work

Unexpired, with a photo and signature: a U.S. passport book or card, a state driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. military ID, a foreign passport, a permanent resident card, or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization (§ 47.1-2).

Expired ID? Nursing home and assisted living residents

A resident of an assisted living facility or licensed nursing home can use an expired driver’s license, state ID or passport if it expired within the last 5 years. A hospital stay on its own doesn’t qualify.

No acceptable ID? Credible witnesses

One witness who personally knows the signer and is personally known to the notary, or
two witnesses who personally know the signer and show their own valid photo ID.

Credible witnesses can’t be named in the document or benefit from it.

Not sure what you have?

Call 804-465-9950 before the visit and we’ll help you work out which option fits. The notary makes the final identification decision at the signing, as Virginia law requires.

Need a notary in the Richmond area?

We come to hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and homes. Witnesses available. $10 per notarization plus travel.

Get my price & book →Call 804-465-9950

General information about Virginia law as of November 2026, not legal advice. Ink Mark notarizes signatures; your attorney or the organization that gave you the document decides what it needs.