---
title: "What Is a Credible Witness? Meaning & Example | MCC"
description: "A person who knows the signer and vouches for their identity to the notary when the signer lacks acceptable ID, where state law allows it."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/credible-witness"
---

Notary glossary

# What is a credible witness?

A person who knows the signer and vouches for their identity to the notary when the signer lacks acceptable ID, where state law allows it.

By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

## In plain English

Rules differ by state: some allow it, some require the witness to be personally known to the notary, and some do not allow it.

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The witness usually takes an oath.

## Why it matters

For a hospital patient whose license expired, or an older adult who no longer drives, a credible witness may be the only path to a notarization. If the state does not allow it, the family needs a different plan before the notary arrives.

Because the witness swears to the signer's identity, they take on responsibility, and they cannot be someone with a stake in the document.

## Worked example

A signer's ID has expired. In a state that allows it, a neighbor who has proper ID and knows the signer swears to who they are.

## What to do

- Ask the notary whether credible witnesses are allowed in their state and what rules apply.
- Choose a witness who knows the signer personally and has acceptable ID.
- Make sure the witness has no interest in the document.
- Bring the witness to the appointment so they can take an oath.
- Expect the notary to record the witness details in the journal.

## Common mistakes

- Using a beneficiary as a credible witness can disqualify them and stop the signing.
- Bringing a witness who met the signer that day fails because they must actually know the signer.
- Assuming every state allows credible witnesses can mean a wasted trip when the notary must refuse.

## Not the same as: Subscribing witness

A credible witness vouches for who the signer is, while a subscribing witness watches a signature being made and signs the document as a witness. [See Subscribing witness](/notary/glossary/subscribing-witness).

## Go deeper

- [What ID do you need to get something notarized?](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary): What identification a notary asks for, which IDs are usually accepted, what to do if your ID is expired or you do not have one, and how names should match.
- [Who Can and Cannot Be a Witness to a Signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing): Choosing a witness for a will, deed or other signing: age and capacity, interested parties, family, employees and why independence matters.

## Related terms

- [Deed](/notary/glossary/deed): A document that transfers ownership of real property.
- [Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance](/notary/glossary/errors-and-omissions-insurance): Insurance that may cover a notary's mistakes, separate from a bond.
- [Credential analysis](/notary/glossary/credential-analysis): Technology that checks whether a government ID is genuine, used in remote online notarization.

## Common questions

**What is a credible witness?**

A person who knows the signer and vouches for their identity to the notary when the signer lacks acceptable ID, where state law allows it.

**Can you give an example of credible witness?**

A signer's ID has expired. In a state that allows it, a neighbor who has proper ID and knows the signer swears to who they are.

**Can the notary act as a credible witness?**

No. The credible witness is a separate person who confirms identity to the notary under oath.

**How many credible witnesses are needed?**

It depends on the state and whether the notary knows the witness. Ask the notary what their state requires.

General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.

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 [Full glossary](/notary/glossary)

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