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Identification/Subscribing Witness Notarizations

A person is held in a local jail operated by the county sheriff and needs a notarization. Which form of ID may be used to establish this person's identity?

A

Any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff's department, provided the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility

B

Any government-issued ID from the past five years

C

Only a California DMV identification card or driver's license

D

Inmate IDs are never acceptable — the person must obtain a credible witness

Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)

Reference: Civil Code section 1185(b)(3)(d)

Source checked September 7, 2026

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Correct Answer

A. Any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff's department, provided the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility

Detailed Explanation

Sheriff-issued inmate ID for locally detained persons. Civil Code section 1185(b)(3)(d) provides that any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff's department is acceptable, provided the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility. This is a Group 1 identification document and does not need to satisfy the PIPS criteria.

Identification/Subscribing Witness Notarizations Question #305
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