Notarial Acts & ProceduresCalifornia Notary Examination • 2026 Edition
A document signer presents a foreign passport issued by the Government of Mexico that contains a photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying serial number. However, the passport expired 6 years prior to the date of notarization. May the notary accept this document as satisfactory evidence of identity?
AYes, because foreign passports from recognized foreign governments are acceptable regardless of expiration date.
BNo, because foreign passports must always be accompanied by a valid U.S. Visa to be accepted by a California notary.
CYes, provided the signer signs an affidavit under penalty of perjury declaring that the passport is authentic.
DNo, because any qualifying identification document presented to establish identity must either be current or have been issued within the last 5 years.Correct Answer
Official 2026 Statutory Legal Analysis
Under Civil Code section 1185(b)(4), identification documents such as foreign driver's licenses or foreign passports must be current or issued within the last 5 years. Because the passport was issued 6 years ago, it does not meet the 5-year statutory freshness rule and cannot be accepted as satisfactory evidence.
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