IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Texas requires notaries to carefully verify each signer’s identification before proceeding. The identification presented must be valid, up-to-date, non-expired, and include a clear photograph of the individual. These stringent requirements are outlined in detail by the state on the Secretary of State’s official website. Notaries are strictly prohibited from making any exceptions or deviations from these state-mandated guidelines, ensuring a consistent and secure notarization process.
Acceptable Forms Of Identification
To Present a Texas Notary Public
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Acceptable Forms of Identification
In Texas, notaries are required to verify the identity of every signer in accordance with state regulations. The following forms of identification are acceptable:
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A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card from any U.S. state, U.S. passport, U.S. military identification, A driver’s license or ID card issued in Mexico or Canada, a foreign passport with a stamp from the Citizenship and Immigration Services, or Inmate identification issued by the Texas Department of Corrections (TDC) for incarcerated signers
These regulations, set by the State of Texas, are mandatory and can be referenced for more details on the Secretary of State’s website. However, it's crucial to understand that certain forms of identification are not permitted under these guidelines. These disallowed types include:
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Social Security cards, Work identification badges, Membership club cards, Gym identification cards, Student identification cards, Medicare cards, Driver’s licenses without a photo ID, including temporary licenses
Both notaries and signers must strictly follow these requirements to ensure the legality and validity of notarized documents.
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What to Do If You Lack Identification
If you do not have identification, the notary may use either a credible witness or personal knowledge to verify your identity.
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Credible Witness: If the notary is unfamiliar with the signer, they can rely on a "credible witness" who knows the signer personally. The notary must place the credible witness under oath (merely asking them to identify the signer is insufficient) and have the witness sign an entry in the notarial record book, as well as complete a credible witness form.
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Personal Knowledge: This can serve as a form of identification, but it should only be utilized if the notary knows the signer personally. The notary cannot mark a certificate as "personally known" unless they are confidently certain of the signer’s identity.
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Important Links to Remember​
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