--- title: "Online Notary ID Rejected? Fix Glare, Blur and ID Type | MCC" description: "Most remote notarization ID failures are glare, shadows or blur. Lay the ID flat on a dark table in even light, then check the card and the ID type." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/remote-notarization-id-rejected-troubleshooting" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Remote Notarization ID Rejected: Troubleshooting Steps Few things are more frustrating than being rejected by an ID scanner when you have a valid license in your hand. Most failures have simple causes and fixes. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** If a remote notarization ID scan is rejected, the top causes are glare, shadows and blur. Lay the ID on a dark, flat table in even light, turn off overhead lights that reflect on the plastic, and hold the phone steady until it focuses. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Start with the photo quality Glare, shadows and blur are the top causes. Lay the ID on a dark, flat table in even light. Turn off overhead lights that reflect on the plastic. Hold the phone steady and wait for it to focus before taking the picture. All four edges of the card should be visible, and the text should be sharp. A clean microfiber cloth wiped over the card removes fingerprints that blur small print. ## Check the card itself Look at the expiration date. Many platforms will not accept an expired ID, though state rules vary on recently expired IDs. Check that the card is not cracked, laminated over, or covered by stickers. Worn magnetic strips and barcodes can also cause trouble. Temporary paper IDs are often rejected by automated scanners. If your card has recently been replaced, use the new one. Older versions may still be valid, but some scanners only know the current design. ## Confirm the ID type is accepted Platforms accept different documents. A U.S. driver's license, state ID card or passport book is typical. Passport cards, military IDs and foreign passports may or may not be accepted. Ask the notary beforehand what is supported, especially for a signer outside the U.S. A name or date mismatch with the document is a separate issue. ## Try a different device or method Switch from a laptop webcam to a phone camera, which often takes a better picture. Update your browser, close other tabs and try again. If the platform gives you the option to upload a file instead of taking a live photo, use it only if allowed. Do not try to edit or enhance the image. Altered images are rejected and can be flagged. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## When to change plans If the platform keeps rejecting a valid ID, tell the notary. Some notaries can do a manual review through video, depending on state rules, or recommend a different approved platform. If not, schedule an in-person notarization. Never lend your ID to someone else to scan on your behalf. The system and notary must see your own card. Document what failed and when. Screenshots of error messages, with private details hidden, help the notary or support team resolve it faster. ## Name problems that look like ID problems Sometimes the ID is fine but the name does not match the document or the signer's account. A middle name, a suffix or a recent marriage can make the system flag a mismatch. Fix this before the session by making the account name match the ID exactly. If your name changed and the ID is old, ask the notary and the receiving party what proof they need. Do not alter the document name on the day. ## Mistakes that get documents rejected Glare, a blurry image and a card partly covered by a sleeve are the usual causes. Use bright, even light, a flat surface and the original card, not a copy. ## Checklist before you book Clean the camera lens. Use good light. Check the expiration date. Have a second acceptable ID if the platform allows it. ## Common questions **Will the platform keep a copy of my ID?** Many do, as part of the record the notary must retain. Ask about the platform's privacy policy and retention period. **Can I use a photo of my ID from my phone gallery?** Usually not. Live capture is required to prevent fake images. ## More notary guides - [Which Documents Can Be Apostilled? Types and Examples](/notary/guides/which-documents-can-be-apostilled) - [Notarized Documents for Use in Another Country](/notary/guides/notarized-documents-for-use-in-another-country) - [Remote Online Notarization: Equipment and Internet Needs](/notary/guides/remote-online-notarization-equipment-and-internet-needs) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Remote Online Notarization (RON) Notarize documents online over secure video with a New Jersey notary. ID verification, electronic seal and a recorded session. Book a RON session. Remote online notary →](/notary/remote-online-notarization)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Remote Notary Setup Kit You've read the rules. This is the part where you file, choose a platform, set up records and run your first month, with every date and score tracked. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/remote-notary-setup-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)