Notary appointment guide
A few minutes of preparation can prevent delays. This guide explains what to have ready for a mobile or eligible remote online notarization in Texas.
Identity must be established before a notarization can proceed. Texas permits identification by personal knowledge, a qualifying credible witness, or acceptable identification under current Texas Secretary of State rules.
For identification documents, follow the current Texas Secretary of State requirements. If you are unsure whether your ID will qualify, call before the appointment.
An acknowledgment confirms that the signature is yours and that you signed voluntarily. The document may already have been signed before you appear before the notary.
A jurat involves an oath or affirmation about the truthfulness of the document. Signing is completed as required in connection with that oath or affirmation.
Do not guess. The document preparer, receiving agency, lender, title company, or attorney should identify the notarial act required.
A non-attorney notary can explain common notarial acts but cannot decide which certificate you legally need.
You appear before the notary in person or through an eligible Texas remote online notarization process.
The document is reviewed for completeness and notarial instructions.
Your identity is verified using acceptable evidence.
The acknowledgment, oath, or affirmation is performed as required.
The notarial certificate is completed with the appropriate venue, date, and act.
The notarization is entered in the required Texas notary record book. Online notarizations are also maintained in a secure electronic record.
The notary completes the act with the official signature and seal or approved electronic equivalent.
Remote online notarization is not simply a video call. Texas online notarizations use secure two-way audio/video technology and, when the signer is not personally known to the online notary, identity proofing and credential analysis. LoneStar currently uses BlueNotary for online sessions. Some documents or circumstances may still require in-person notarization.
LoneStar's notary service does not provide legal advice, prepare legal documents, or determine which legal form or notarial certificate you should use. If you need legal advice, contact a licensed attorney or the organization that prepared or will receive your document.
Mobile appointments are available in the El Paso area. For an eligible remote online notarization, the Texas online notary must be physically located in Texas during the session, while the signer may be located anywhere.