It happens more often than you think — someone needs a document notarized but doesn’t have valid photo ID.
Maybe it’s expired, lost, or still being processed. Luckily, Florida law provides a solution: the credible witness affidavit.
What’s a Credible Witness?
A credible witness is a person who personally knows you and can swear under oath that you are who you say you are. Think of them as your human ID.
This person must:
- Personally know the signer (you).
- Present their own valid ID to the notary.
- Swear or affirm that you’re the person named in the document.
When Is a Credible Witness Allowed?
You can use a credible witness only when:
- You don’t have a valid form of identification.
- It’s not practical to get one quickly.
- The notary has no personal knowledge of your identity.
How It Works
- You bring your credible witness to the notary appointment.
- The notary confirms that your witness knows you personally.
- The witness presents their own ID to the notary.
- The notary completes a Credible Witness Affidavit — a sworn statement from the witness verifying your identity.
- The notary proceeds with the notarization of your document.
If two credible witnesses are used (when neither knows the notary), both must swear to your identity.
Why It Matters
Life happens — IDs expire, wallets get lost, or emergencies strike. The credible witness process keeps things moving legally and safely, without cutting corners. It’s all about maintaining trust in notarized documents while giving you flexibility when you need it most.
Need Help?
At Notary Etcetera LLC, we handle credible witness notarizations — in-person or online — anywhere in Florida.
📞 954-669-0127