Common Documents I Notarize

Here are the most common documents people bring to me for notarization:

Real Estate Documents: Deeds, mortgage documents, refinance paperwork, property transfers, lease agreements

Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives, healthcare proxies

Business Documents: Contracts, operating agreements, business formation papers, loan applications

Personal Documents: Affidavits, sworn statements, consent forms, name change documents

International Documents: Documents requiring apostille certification for use abroad

What Cannot Be Notarized in Texas

Texas law prohibits notarizing certain documents:

• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other vital records

• Documents where the notary has a financial interest

• Documents already signed before the notary appointment

• Incomplete documents with blank spaces

• Documents where the signer cannot be properly identified

What You Need to Bring

To get your document notarized, you need:

Valid Photo ID: Texas driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current or expired within the last 4 years.

Unsigned Document: Do not sign your document before the appointment. You must sign in front of me.

Completed Document: All information should be filled in. No blank spaces should remain.

Witnesses (if required): Some documents like wills require witnesses. Check with your attorney or the document instructions.

Documents That Require Witnesses

Some documents in Texas require witnesses in addition to notarization:

• Wills typically require two witnesses

• Some trusts require witnesses

• Certain medical directives need witness signatures

If your document requires witnesses, bring people who are not beneficiaries or related to you. I can serve as a witness in addition to being the notary if needed.

Special Requirements for Trust & Will Documents

Estate planning documents from online services like Trust & Will often have specific notarization requirements. These documents typically need both notarization and witnesses. Make sure you know what your document requires before scheduling your appointment.