We, as notary publics, play a crucial role in verifying the identities of individuals involved in various transactions. One key aspect of this responsibility is the reliance on valid identification documents as outlined in Section 117.05(5)(b)2. of the Florida Statutes.
This statute specifies the types of identification that may be accepted by a notary public, including:
- A Florida identification card or driver license issued by the public agency authorized to issue driver licenses.
- A driver license or identification card issued by a public agency authorized to issue driver licenses in a state other than Florida or in a territory of the United States, or Canada or Mexico.
In today's digital age, the question arises: Can a notary rely upon a digital driver license or identification card issued by the applicable public agency?
To shed light on this matter, we turn to the Notary Section of the Executive Office of the Governor for clarification. According to their official stance, the reliance upon a digital ID for identification purposes only from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is permissible.
This is particularly relevant in light of recent developments, such as the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issuing digital Florida driver licenses. With the advancements in technology, individuals may now possess digital versions of their driver licenses, providing a convenient and accessible form of identification.
For notaries public in Florida, this means that they can confidently accept digital driver licenses issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as valid identification when performing notarial acts. This acknowledgment of digital identification reflects the state's commitment to embracing innovation while upholding the integrity of notarial practices.
In conclusion, the acceptance of digital driver licenses for identification purposes by notaries public aligns with the evolving landscape of identification methods. As technology continues to advance, so too must our understanding and adaptation of acceptable forms of identification in the realm of notarial acts.
For more information on notarial practices and requirements in Florida, individuals are encouraged to consult the official guidelines provided by the Notary Section of the Executive Office of the Governor.
By staying informed and adapting to changes in technology, notaries public can continue to fulfill their crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and legality of various transactions in the state of Florida.
By: Yahaira Rodriguez
.png)
