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. 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.
Information reviewed: August 23, 2026
Official references: Texas SOS Notary Public FAQ · Texas Government Code Chapter 406
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Page revised: September 8, 2026