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Identification/Subscribing Witness Notarizations

A signer presents a United States Passport that expired 18 months ago. Upon checking the issue date, the notary sees it was issued exactly 11 years ago. Is this passport acceptable for identification?

A

Yes, because it expired less than 2 years ago.

B

No, because all identification documents must be currently unexpired.

C

No, because the law requires the ID to be current OR issued within the last 5 years.

D

Yes, because U.S. Passports are valid for up to 15 years for notary purposes.

Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)

Reference: Civil Code section 1185

Source checked September 7, 2026

✓

Correct Answer

C. No, because the law requires the ID to be current OR issued within the last 5 years.

Detailed Explanation

The 5-Year Expiration Rule. According to CA Civil Code section 1185, a specified ID is legally acceptable provided it is current OR was issued within 5 years. This passport is expired (not current) and was issued 11 years ago (not within 5 years). Therefore, it completely fails the statutory requirement and must be rejected.

Identification/Subscribing Witness Notarizations Question #217
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