When you schedule a notary appointment in Austin, you need to know what to bring. Many people show up unprepared and end up having to reschedule. This blog post will tell you exactly what you need so your notary appointment goes smoothly.
**The Most Important Thing: Your Identification**
Your identification is the most critical item you need to bring. A notary in Texas must verify your identity before they can notarize anything. This is required by law. You cannot sign documents in front of a notary without proper identification. So what counts as proper identification?
The best form of ID is a government issued photo identification. Your Texas driver’s license is perfect. A passport works great too. If you do not have a driver’s license or passport, you can use a military ID card or a Texas state ID card. These are all acceptable forms of identification in Texas.
**Can You Use an Expired ID at a Notary?**
This is a common question people ask. Technically, a notary can use an expired ID if the person looks like the photo and the ID shows clear information. However, this is risky and many notaries will refuse. Why take the chance? If you have an expired ID, try to get a current one before your appointment.
If you absolutely cannot get a current ID and your ID is only slightly expired, call the notary office before you come. Ask if they will accept your expired ID. Some will, some will not. The rules are strict on this.
**What If Your Name Does Not Match Your Document?**
Sometimes people get married, divorced, or legally change their names. Your ID might have your maiden name, but the document you are signing shows your married name. Or your ID shows your legal name, but you go by a nickname on the document. What happens?
A notary needs to confirm that you are the same person on both the ID and the document. You might need to bring additional paperwork showing your name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change will help explain the difference. The notary will note this in their journal and you can proceed.
Be honest about name changes when you schedule your appointment. Tell the notary about the situation ahead of time. They will let you know what additional documents to bring.
**What Other Documents Do You Need?**
Bring the original documents that need notarizing. Do not bring copies. A notary must see the original document. Also bring any supporting documents the notary might need. If you are notarizing a power of attorney, bring it. If you are signing a will, bring that too.
If you need your documents apostilled or if you need fingerprinting services, let the notary know in advance. They might need to prepare special forms or bring additional equipment.
**Tips for a Smooth Notary Appointment**
Arrive early. This gives you time to relax and answer the notary’s questions. Bring your ID and documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. If you have multiple documents, arrange them in order. The notary will appreciate this organization.
Be prepared to answer basic questions. The notary will ask your full name, current address, and date of birth. They might ask what you do for work. They need this information for their notary journal. Knowing it ahead of time means the appointment goes faster.
If you are feeling nervous, do not be. Notary appointments are routine and the notary handles hundreds of them. They are professionals and they will make you comfortable.
**Common Documents That Need Notarizing**
Power of attorney documents need notarizing. So do most estate planning documents like wills and living trusts. Loan documents sometimes need notarizing, though this depends on the lender. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarizing, just ask your notary. They will know.
**Get Ready for Your Appointment**
Do not show up unprepared. Gather your government issued ID and your documents. Make sure your name is clear on both. If you have questions, call the notary office ahead of time. Our professional mobile notary team in Austin will tell you exactly what to bring. We answer questions before your appointment so you are completely ready. Schedule your appointment today and bring the right items. We make notarizing documents easy and stress free.