BEFORE YOUR NOTARIZATION CHECKLIST

  1. DO NOT sign

    DO NOT SIGN documents until you are in the presence of the notary.

  2. Fill in black spaces

    Completely fill in all blank spaces in documents before Notary arrives but DO NOT SIGN!

    We cannot notarize incomplete documents with blank lines.

    We cannot accept just the last "signature page" without the rest of the document present - you must give the notary the complete document at the time of notarization.

  3. Document questions

    If you have questions about how to complete the document, contact the person who drafted or requested the document.

    A Notary Public is unable to provide legal advice or assistance in the drafting and/or completion of documents.

  4. Every signers must physically appear & have ID

    When meeting with the notary, the individual signing the document must physically appear, be coherent, fully alert, and able to prove to the notary that they understand the contents being signed.

    Nodding is not sufficient.

    The notary cannot notarize someone with Alzheimer's or dementia or someone on medication that makes the signer extremely drowsy.

    The individual signing the document must present acceptable ID (driver license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID) at the time of notarization.

  5. Get two witnesses

    It's important to have all your documents and identification ready prior to meeting the notary. If the individual signing does not have and is unable to get an ID (an elderly person confined to a retirement home, for example) he or she still be able to sign. In this case, two witnesses that know the signer personally by name must be present who can attest to the identity of the signer and both of the credible witnesses also need to bring their own identification as well. When you reach out about your appointment, please let me know if a signer cannot get ID so we can plan accordingly in advance.

  6. Original documents must be presented

    A notary in Texas is not allowed to certify copies, you will have to be the document custodian. 

    Vital records (birth, death, and marriage) cannot be notarized.

  7. Foreign languages

    Each signer needs to be able to communicate with the notary.

    It's ok if the document is in a foreign language, but the notary wording that the notary signs must be in English.

  8. Know which notary certificate you need (an Acknowledgment or a Jurat)

    A notary public cannot advice on which one to use.