A quick reference for anyone booking a Texas notary appointment.
Texas notary law is specific about what counts as valid identification. This page explains what a Texas notary can and can't accept, based on current Texas Secretary of State guidance — not what any individual notary personally prefers.
A Texas notary may accept: a valid, unexpired driver's license or state-issued ID card from any U.S. state; a valid U.S. passport; a U.S. military ID; a driver's license or ID card issued by Mexico or Canada; a foreign passport bearing a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stamp; or, for an incarcerated signer, identification issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In every case the ID must be current (not expired), include a photograph, and match the person appearing.
Texas notaries cannot accept a Social Security card, a workplace ID badge, a membership or gym card, a student ID, a Medicare card, or a driver's license/ID without a photo (including most temporary licenses). These are common reasons an appointment has to be rescheduled — worth checking before we arrive.
If a signer doesn't have acceptable identification, Texas law allows identification through a credible witness — someone who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the document, and is willing to swear under oath to the signer's identity. Ask when you book if this applies to your situation.
No. Texas notaries can only accept current, unexpired identification, and there is no grace period after the expiration date. If your ID has expired, you can renew it before the appointment or use a credible witness who personally knows you. See our dedicated page on expired ID for the full explanation and the credible-witness alternative.
The notary verifies that the person appearing matches the ID presented and is the person named as signer. Significant name discrepancies can delay or prevent notarization — mention any name changes when you book so we can flag it in advance.
No. The notary must physically examine the original, valid identification document at the appointment. A photo, scan or photocopy of your ID is not accepted for an in-person notarization. If you don't have a current ID, a credible witness who personally knows you and is not a party to the document may be an option.
Information reviewed: August 23, 2026
Official references: Texas SOS Notary Public FAQ · Texas Government Code Chapter 406
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Page revised: October 11, 2026