A U.S. military identification card is listed in Civil Code §1185(b)(4) as a Tier Two identification document. Like all Tier Two documents, it must contain all four of the following to be acceptable: (1) a photograph; (2) a physical description of the holder; (3) the holder's signature; and (4) a serial or identifying number. It must also be current or issued within five years.
The California Notary Public Handbook flags this document with a specific caution: current military IDs may not contain all of the required information. Some modern military ID formats have eliminated certain data fields. A notary cannot simply assume that any official-looking military card satisfies all four requirements — each card must be physically inspected before acceptance.
If even one of the four elements is missing from a Tier Two ID, the document fails as satisfactory evidence of identity. The notary must then either request an alternate acceptable ID or proceed by way of credible witness.
Exam Tip: The handbook's explicit warning about military IDs is a direct invitation for an exam question. Never assume a current military ID automatically qualifies. Inspect it for all four elements. Contrast this with a CDCR inmate card (Tier One) — no physical description required there.
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