To access your virtual mailroom address, you need to complete a notarization. The notary will verify your identity using two valid documents: a primary ID and a secondary ID. This article walks you through exactly what's accepted, what isn't, and what to do if you're missing something.
At a glance
- Primary ID — proves who you are (photo ID).
- Secondary ID — proves where you live (must show your full name and matching home address).
- Non-US residents → primary ID must be a passport.
- Secondary ID must be in English, or translated by a certified translator (alternative: Local Notarization).
Primary ID
Your primary ID is a government-issued document that proves your identity. The acceptable documents depend on your residency status.
If you are a US resident
You can submit any one of the following:
| Accepted document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number (SSN) | SSN card or document showing the number. |
| Passport | Must be unexpired. |
| Driver's license | US state-issued, unexpired. |
| State ID | Non-driver state-issued ID. |
| Permanent resident card | Also known as a Green Card. |
| Work permit | Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
If you are a non-US resident
Important: Non-US residents must upload a valid, unexpired passport. No other document is accepted as primary ID. Our platform is configured to follow this rule, and the notary cannot make exceptions.
Secondary ID
The secondary ID confirms your home address. It must show both your full name and a home address that matches what you registered with us.
If you are a US resident
Any one of the following is accepted:
- US State, Territory, or Tribal Driver's or Non-driver's ID card
- US Access card
- Passport
- US Permanent resident card
- Current lease, mortgage, or Deed of Trust
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Vehicle registration card
- Voter's card
- Uniformed Service ID
- Certificate of Naturalization
- US University ID card
If you are a non-US resident
You must present one of the following:
| Document | What it is |
|---|---|
| Current lease or rental agreement | A legal contract between you and the property owner. |
| Home or vehicle insurance policy | An official document from your insurance company. |
| Mortgage or Deed of Trust | Legal paperwork related to your property ownership. |
| Vehicle registration card | Official proof of your vehicle's registration. |
| Voter card | A card issued to registered voters. |
Language requirement
The secondary ID must be in English so the notary can read it. If your document is in another language, you have two options:
- Get it translated by a certified translator and submit both the original and the certified translation.
- Use the Local Notarization process, where translation is not required.
Examples of acceptable submissions
✅ Example 1 — US resident
- Primary ID: California driver's license
- Secondary ID: Home insurance policy showing the same name and home address
✅ Example 2 — Non-US resident (Brazil)
- Primary ID: Brazilian passport (unexpired)
- Secondary ID: Vehicle insurance policy in English, with full name and home address matching the registration
❌ Example — Will be rejected
- Secondary ID in Portuguese without a certified English translation.
- Utility bill in a spouse's or family member's name.
- Lease agreement with an address that doesn't match the one you registered.
- Expired passport or driver's license.
What if you don't have the required documents?
You don't have to be the one completing the notarization. Any shareholder or owner of the company can do it as long as they have valid primary and secondary IDs in their own name.
Heads up: The secondary ID must show the same person's full name and home address as the primary ID. Documents in a spouse's, parent's, or sibling's name will not be accepted — even if you live at the same address.
Before you start — quick checklist
- ☐ My primary ID matches the residency rules (passport for non-US residents).
- ☐ My secondary ID shows my full name.
- ☐ My secondary ID shows my home address, matching what I registered.
- ☐ Both documents are unexpired.
- ☐ My secondary ID is in English (or I have a certified translation / will use Local Notarization).
- ☐ Document scans/photos are clear, fully visible, and uncropped — all four corners showing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same document for both primary and secondary ID?
No. The two IDs must be different documents.
My driver's license has my old address. Can I still use it?
Only if it's listed as primary ID. As a secondary ID, the home address must match the one you registered with us.
Does my insurance policy need to be a physical card?
No, a digital copy or PDF from your insurance company is accepted, as long as it clearly shows your name, home address, and the issuer.
My passport is in Portuguese — does it need to be translated?
Passports are typically bilingual and contain English fields, so no translation is usually needed for the passport itself. Translation applies primarily to secondary IDs.
What if my notarization is rejected?
You'll receive a notification with the reason. The most common rejections are: name/address mismatch, expired documents, blurry photos, or a non-English secondary ID. You can resubmit at no extra cost.
I prefer not to go through online notarization. What are my options?
You can use the Local Notarization process, which lets you visit a notary in person and removes the English-language requirement for your secondary ID.
Still have questions? Reach out to our support team and we'll help you get your documents in order.
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