Physical Presence

The signer(s) being notarized must be present at the time of the notarization. With remote online notarizations, a video conference meeting is held between the notary and signer(s).

ID

Checking and verifying the signer’s identify is a critical step in performing a notarial service. Some people may view it as a nuisance, but it’s performed to safeguard against fraud.

The signer(s) must have photo ID that covers the names shown on the document (for example, if your middle name is spelled out on the document, it must be spelled out on your photo ID). The ID can have more information than the document, just not less.

Accepted forms of identification for having notarial services performed include the following:

Every signer must show valid (non expired) photo identification. All identification must contain a photo, a physical description, a signature and an identification number.

State-issued driver’s license
State-issued identification card
U.S. military identification card
Resident alien identification card (green card)
U.S. passport

The Document and the Name on the Document

You must have the document that is being notarized. A notary is not permitted to draft documents or provide legal documents.

The ID can have more of the name than what is on the document, but not less. It is okay to use a commonly known nickname on your documents, like Jim for James (where “James” is on the ID, but document says “Jim”).

For online notary service, you will upload the document that will be notarized.

For mobile notary service, we can print the document for you that you email to us. There is a fee for us to print your documents.

Note: Please try to print the documents at least 1 hr before the the notary arrives so that you have time to warn us if you have trouble printing and to give you time to proofread the document, especially making sure the name on the document is spelled correctly and checked against the signer’s ID.

Blank Lines

We cannot notarize incomplete documents with incomplete blank lines (that you don’t have the information for) in the text above your signature line. We can not accept just the last “signature page” without the rest of the document present.

You must give us the complete document.

Compentency and Comprehension

All signers need to be competent to sign and be fully alert and be able to prove to the notary that they understand the contents being signed. Nodding is not sufficient. If the signer cannot speak, then (s)he will need to be able to write out complete sentences to questions like: “Please explain what a Power of Attorney is or does?”

We cannot notarize someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia or someone on medication that makes the signer extremely drowsy.

Every signer must demonstrate a willingness to sign the documents without coercion. (S)he must also be aware of what they are signing and understand the significance of the transaction. Documents cannot be notarized if there is any cognitive impairment, including alcohol impairment..

You may need to go to court to be able to take over the signing responsibilities for someone if signing a document such as a Power of Attorney cannot be notarized because of these issues.

Foreign Language

Each signer needs to be able to explain what he or she is signing in English directly to the notary, without a translator.

It is not a problem if the document is in a foreign language, but the notary wording that we sign has to be in English.

Signature Issues

For in person services, the signer needs to be able to sign in a way that resembles a signature, even if it does not look like the original signature on an ID. If the signer can only make some kind of small mark or “x” on the signature line, then that is considered “signature by mark” and is considered as an official signature and is allowed by Texas law.

For online notary service, the signer will make a digital signature.

Requirements