Identifying the Signer

• What forms of identification can I use to verify signer's the identity?
• What other forms of identification can I use?
• May I require the fingerprints of a person for whom I notarize?

• What forms of identification can I use to verify signer's the identity?

  If the signer is not personally known by the Texas notary or identified by a credible witness, the best form of identification is an unexpired form of identification issued by a state or federal government agency that includes a physical description, photograph, and signature. The ID card should typically detail eye and hair color, height, weight, and date of birth.
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• What other forms of identification can I use?

  The notary may use either a credible witness or personal knowledge to identify a signer.

  Credible Witness

  If you don't know the signer personally, you may take the oath of a "credible witness" who is personally known to you. You must place the credible witness under oath; simply asking them to identify the signer is not sufficient. Have the credible witness sign an entry in your record book for that transaction detailing the oath of credible witness and, of course, have the signer of the document being executed sign in the next entry for that notarial act.

  Personal Knowledge

  Personal knowledge is always the best form of identification, but it must only be used if the notary knows the signer personally. The notary may not take the word of a friend, family member, or co-worker as to the identity of a signer unless that person stands as a credible witness and swears an oath regarding the identity of the signer. DO NOT mark a certificate "personally known" unless you know with a strong certainty who the signer is.

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• May I require the fingerprints of a person for whom I notarize?

  No. Texas law DOES NOT allow notaries to take fingerprints when performing a notarization.
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Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions.