Prepared feels better
Get ready for your appointment.
A few calm minutes of preparation can prevent delays and help your notary session go smoothly.
Leave signature areas unsigned unless the receiving party says an existing signature may be acknowledged.
Online sessions also use credential analysis and identity proofing.
Ask the issuer, receiving party, or an attorney which certificate is needed.
Especially for online, real-estate, estate, court, or international use.
Each signer must personally appear, understand the document, and sign willingly.
What may be notarized
The act matters more than the document title.
Texas notaries are authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify copies of documents not recordable in public records, and protest certain instruments as permitted by law. A non-attorney notary cannot choose the certificate, draft documents, or give legal advice.
Complete, not blank
The document should be complete and ready for the required notarial act.
Public records
Notaries may not certify copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates or divorce decrees. Request those from the recording agency.
Ask the recipient
The organization receiving the document should confirm its certificate and acceptance requirements.