If there's one thing that can derail a notarization appointment, it's ID issues. The good news: Utah's rules are straightforward—if you know what to bring.
This guide covers what ID is acceptable in Utah, what usually gets rejected, and the most common "my name doesn't match" situations (and how to fix them before we arrive).
Unsure if your ID will work?
Call/text us at (801) 462-0388 and we'll help you confirm what you need before your appointment.
Utah notaries must identify signers using personal knowledge or "satisfactory evidence of identity." For most appointments, that means a valid ID that includes a photo, signature, and physical description, or a valid passport.
Utah law also allows identification through a credible witness (more on that below).
Legal Reference: Utah Code § 46-1-2 and Utah Code § 46-1-16
Utah law recognizes valid personal identification that includes your:
…and is issued by the U.S. government, any U.S. state, or a foreign government.
Examples that typically qualify:
A valid passport issued by any nation is specifically included in Utah's definition of acceptable ID.
Legal Reference: Utah Code § 46-1-2(39)(a)(i)
Utah law allows ID to be established through the oath or affirmation of a credible person who:
Important:
This is a specific standard. Not every "friend who came with me" will qualify.
Legal Reference: Utah Code § 46-1-2(39)(b)
Here are the issues we see most often:
If it's expired, expect delays—or a reschedule.
Many temporary documents don't include everything Utah requires (photo/signature/physical description).
Why it matters: Without all three elements, it doesn't meet Utah's definition of "satisfactory evidence."
Utah's notary guidance explicitly excludes a driving privilege card from "satisfactory evidence of identity."
Official Guidance: Notary.Utah.Gov - Driving Privilege Cards do not meet the identification requirements for notarization.
Even if the picture is clear, a photo usually isn't the same as presenting the ID itself (and many receiving agencies won't accept it).
Pro Tip: When in doubt, bring the physical, current, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your document.
This is the #1 "I have my ID, but…" issue.
Married name vs. maiden name
ID says one, document says the other
Middle name/initial differences
e.g., "Marie" vs. "M."
Hyphenated names not matching
Smith-Jones vs. Jones
Nicknames
Mike vs. Michael
Typos on the document
Someone misspelled your name
Best Fix:
Make sure the name on your document matches your current ID before the signing.
If the document was prepared by an attorney, lender, HR department, or government office:
Ask them to correct the document (often they can re-issue quickly).
If you're not sure whether a small variation matters:
Send us the details before we arrive so we can help you avoid a wasted trip.
Quick Reminder: Notaries can't "choose" which name version to use—we must follow identification rules and the document's requirements.
For remote notarizations, Utah still requires acceptable ID (or a passport) and adds additional identity verification methods under the law and state rules.
Legal Reference: Utah Code § 46-1-16.5 and Utah Admin. Code R156-82
Considering RON and not sure if your ID will work?
Text/call us first so we can point you to the smoothest option.
Before your appointment, make sure you have:
Your unsigned document(s)
(Don't sign ahead unless instructed)
A valid, government-issued photo ID or valid passport
Current and not expired
If needed: A credible witness
Who meets Utah's requirements
Any special instructions
From the receiving agency (court, lender, employer, etc.)
Pro Tip: Take a photo of this checklist or bookmark this page for easy reference!
If you're in Utah County or Salt Lake County and want to avoid an appointment that turns into a reschedule, we'll help you verify what to bring.