Notary Policies & Requirements

What to know before your notary appointment

At Sun Star Notary, our services follow Texas notary law and professional standards. A notary’s role is limited to verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths. Notaries are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice or complete legal forms on a client’s behalf.

Role of a Notary Public

A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and sworn statements. Our responsibility is to confirm the identity of the signer and ensure the document is executed properly — nothing more and nothing less.

We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or interpret the legal effect of any document.

Before Your Appointment

To ensure a smooth and efficient notarization, please note the following:

  • Documents must be brought unsigned and signed in the notary’s presence

  • All signers must be physically present

  • A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID is required

  • Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure availability

  • Mobile notary services are available by appointment

Acceptable Forms of Identification

The following forms of ID are accepted under Texas notary standards:

  • U.S. state-issued driver’s license or identification card

  • United States passport

  • United States visa

  • U.S. military photo identification

  • Federally recognized Tribal identification card

Witness Requirements

Any required witnesses must be provided by the client

  1. Witnesses must have valid, government-issued photo ID

  1. Witnesses must personally know the signer

  2. Witnesses cannot be provided by our office

Unacceptable Identification

The following cannot be accepted for notarization:

  • Social Security cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Credit or debit cards

  • Expired identification

  • Photocopies, photographs, or digital images of IDs

  • Foreign identification not permitted under Texas law

Language & Communication

The notary and signer must be able to communicate directly. If a signer does not understand the language of the document, a notary who speaks the same language should be used.

Document Eligibility, Review & Additional Fees

Sun Star Notary is able to notarize a wide range of documents, including but not limited to wills, codicils, probate documents, trusts, depositions, certain real estate or property transfer documents, Form I-9, and certified copies when permitted by Texas law.

Please note that the standard notary service does not include a full review, analysis, or verification of the entire document. Our role as a notary is limited to verifying identity and witnessing the proper execution of the document.

If a document requires a full review, detailed verification, or additional time due to its length or complexity (such as wills, trusts, or multi-page legal documents), an additional fee may apply. Any applicable fees will be disclosed prior to proceeding.

Notarization is performed only when all legal and procedural requirements are met at the time of the appointment.

Public Records & Certified Copies (Clarification)

Certain public records (such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses) are issued and certified by the appropriate government authority. When official certification is required, it must be obtained from the issuing agency. Notarization does not replace official certification unless permitted by law.

Right to Refuse Service

Sun Star Notary reserves the right to refuse notarization if legal, ethical, or procedural requirements are not met.