IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTARIZATION IN TEXAS

In the state of Texas, proper identification is required for any notarial service to ensure that the person signing the document is the person he or she claims to be. Below is a guide to acceptable forms of identification for notarization as per Texas state laws:

1. State-Issued Driver's License or Identification Card: A current or reasonably current driver's license or official non-driver's identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other state's equivalent department.

2. U.S. Passport: A valid and current U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State.

3. U.S. Military Identification Card: Identification cards issued by the armed forces of the U.S. that contain the described person's signature and photograph.

4. State, County, and Local Government IDs: Identification cards issued by another state, or a Texas county or municipality, as long as it contains a photograph and signature of the individual.

5. Foreign Passport: A passport issued by a foreign government, provided that it has been stamped by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

6. Inmate Identification: For individuals in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a local Texas jail, inmate identification cards are acceptable if they have a photograph, signature, and have been issued within the last five years.

7. Other Forms of ID: Other forms of identification may be accepted if they are issued by the federal government or any of its agencies, contain the individual's photograph and signature, and are considered reliable and current.

For the notarization of all documents, the identification must be presented at the time of notarization and must be original (not a photocopy). The name on the identification must correspond with the name on the document needing notarization.

If proper identification is not available, Texas law allows the use of credible witnesses to vouch for the signer's identity, provided that the notary public does not have a beneficial interest and is not named in the document.

For any questions regarding identification or notarization services, please Contact Us.

Please note: A notary public is legally forbidden from accepting identification that is not considered valid and current. If you have concerns about your form of ID, contact us prior to your appointment to discuss alternatives.