What ID Do You Need for Notarization in Texas? Complete Guide
What ID Do You Need for Notarization in Texas? Complete Guide
Proper identification is required for all notarizations in Texas. The notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature. This guide covers all acceptable forms of ID and what to bring to your notary appointment.
Primary Acceptable Forms of ID in Texas
1. Driver's License
- Issued by: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or any U.S. state
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature, physical description, date of birth
- Acceptable: Yes, most common form of ID
2. State-Issued ID Card
- Issued by: Texas DPS or any U.S. state
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature, physical description, date of birth
- Acceptable: Yes, same as driver's license
3. U.S. Passport
- Issued by: U.S. Department of State
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature, date of birth
- Acceptable: Yes, universally accepted
4. U.S. Passport Card
- Issued by: U.S. Department of State
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature, date of birth
- Acceptable: Yes, valid alternative to passport book
5. Military ID
- Issued by: U.S. Department of Defense
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature
- Acceptable: Yes, for active duty, reserves, and retirees
6. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Issued by: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature, date of birth
- Acceptable: Yes, for non-citizens
Secondary Acceptable Forms of ID
7. Tribal ID Card
- Issued by: Federally recognized Native American tribe
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature
- Acceptable: Yes, with photo
8. Inmate ID Card
- Issued by: Texas Department of Criminal Justice or federal prison
- Requirements: Must be current (not expired)
- Must include: Photo, signature
- Acceptable: Yes, for incarcerated individuals
ID Requirements Summary
Required Elements:
All acceptable ID must include:
- ✅ Photo: Current photograph
- ✅ Signature: Your signature
- ✅ Physical description: Height, weight, eye color (for driver's license/state ID)
- ✅ Date of birth: Your birth date
- ✅ Expiration date: Must not be expired
- ✅ Issuing authority: Government-issued
Not Acceptable:
- ❌ Expired ID (even if expired recently)
- ❌ Student ID cards
- ❌ Work ID badges
- ❌ Credit cards
- ❌ Social Security cards
- ❌ Birth certificates (alone)
- ❌ Library cards
- ❌ Insurance cards
Special Situations
Expired ID
Problem: Your ID is expired Solution:
- Renew your ID before the appointment
- Use an alternative valid ID
- Some notaries may accept expired ID if it expired within the last 90 days (not recommended)
No Valid ID
Problem: You don't have acceptable ID Solution:
- Credible witness: Someone who knows you and has valid ID can vouch for your identity
- Personal knowledge: If the notary knows you personally, they may notarize without ID (rare)
- Obtain ID: Get a state ID card from DPS (doesn't require driver's license)
Name Mismatch
Problem: Name on ID doesn't match document Solution:
- Use your full legal name as it appears on your ID
- Bring documentation of name change (marriage certificate, court order)
- Notary can note the name variation
Damaged ID
Problem: ID is damaged or unreadable Solution:
- Use an alternative valid ID
- Replace the damaged ID
- Notary may accept if photo and key information are still visible
Credible Witness Option
If you don't have acceptable ID, you can use a credible witness:
Requirements:
- Two credible witnesses OR one credible witness with valid ID
- Witness must personally know you
- Witness must have valid ID (if serving as single witness)
- Witness must be present at notarization
- Witness cannot be a party to the document
Process:
- Witness(es) appear with you
- Witness(es) show valid ID
- Witness(es) swear/affirm they know you
- Notary verifies witness identity
- Notarization proceeds
What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment
Essential Items:
- Valid photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Unsigned document: Document ready to sign (but not yet signed)
- Payment: Cash or card for notary fees
- Witnesses: If required by your document
Optional but Helpful:
- Name change documentation: If name differs from ID
- Backup ID: Second form of ID if available
- Reading glasses: If needed to read documents
- Pen: Though notary will have one
ID Verification Process
What the Notary Will Do:
- Examine your ID: Check expiration date, photo match
- Compare photo: Ensure photo matches you
- Verify signature: May compare to signature on document
- Check physical description: Verify height, weight, eye color match
- Record in journal: Document ID type and number (required in Texas)
What You Should Do:
- Present ID promptly: Have ID ready when notary arrives
- Ensure ID is current: Check expiration date before appointment
- Match your appearance: ID photo should look like you
- Sign consistently: Use signature that matches your ID
Common ID Mistakes to Avoid
1. Expired ID
Mistake: Bringing expired driver's license Solution: Renew ID or bring alternative valid ID
2. Wrong Name
Mistake: Name on document doesn't match ID Solution: Use legal name from ID or bring name change documentation
3. No Photo ID
Mistake: Only bringing Social Security card or birth certificate Solution: Obtain state ID card (doesn't require driver's license)
4. Damaged ID
Mistake: ID is torn, faded, or unreadable Solution: Replace ID or bring alternative valid ID
5. Wrong Person
Mistake: Someone else's ID or old photo Solution: Ensure ID is yours and photo is current
ID Requirements by Document Type
Real Estate Documents
- Required: Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Additional: May require proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
Estate Planning Documents
- Required: Valid photo ID
- Additional: May require witnesses with ID
Loan Documents
- Required: Valid photo ID
- Additional: May require proof of income or address
Power of Attorney
- Required: Valid photo ID
- Additional: May require witnesses with ID
Affidavits
- Required: Valid photo ID
- Additional: Usually no additional requirements
Getting a Texas State ID Card
If you don't have a driver's license, you can get a Texas state ID card:
Requirements:
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease)
- Application fee (varies)
Where to Apply:
- Texas DPS office
- Online application available
- Appointment required
Processing Time:
- Typically same day or within a few days
- Temporary ID issued immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired ID?
No, Texas notaries cannot accept expired ID. The ID must be current (not expired).
What if my name changed but my ID shows my old name?
Bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order). The notary can note the name variation.
Can I use a student ID?
No, student IDs are not acceptable for notarization. You need a government-issued photo ID.
What if I don't have any ID?
You can use credible witnesses who know you and have valid ID. Alternatively, obtain a Texas state ID card.
Can I use a passport if my driver's license is expired?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport is acceptable even if your driver's license is expired.
Do I need ID for every signature?
Yes, each signer must present valid ID. If multiple people are signing, each needs their own ID.
Can the notary accept a photo of my ID?
No, the notary must see the physical ID in person. Photos or copies are not acceptable.
Why Proper ID Matters
Legal Requirement:
- Texas law requires notaries to verify identity
- Prevents fraud and identity theft
- Ensures document validity
Protection:
- Protects you from unauthorized signings
- Prevents document fraud
- Ensures legal compliance
Houston Mobile Notary Pros ID Policy
We strictly follow Texas notary laws regarding ID verification:
- ✅ Only accept current, valid government-issued photo ID
- ✅ Verify ID matches the signer
- ✅ Record ID information in notary journal (required)
- ✅ Ensure ID is not expired
- ✅ Accept credible witnesses if no ID available
Book an appointment and ensure you bring valid ID to your notarization.
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