Identifying the Signer

• What forms of identification are required 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.

  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 the notary does not  know the signer personally, they may take the oath of a "credible witness" who is personally known to the notary. The credible witness must take an oath; simply asking them to identify the signer is not sufficient. Have the credible witness sign an entry in notary 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. The notary will not mark a certificate "personally known" unless they know with a strong certainty who the signer is.

  The above information was taken from the American Association of Notaries website. 

  NOTE:

  It is imperative that I verify the government issued identification has not expired before I make the trip to the signing destination. Travel fees and other listed charges are not refundable and the signing will have to be rescheduled and paid again due to expired or not valid identification.