By Alam Lule, Texas Notary Public · Last updated
A Texas notary must refuse a notarization when the signer does not appear in person, cannot be properly identified, appears unwilling or unaware of what they are signing, or when the document is incomplete or the notary has a personal interest in it.
A notary may also decline when the request asks the notary to certify something the law does not allow, such as certifying a copy of a birth certificate or other publicly recordable document.
Common reasons for refusal
- The signer is not physically present (or, for online notarization, not on the live video)
- No acceptable ID and no qualifying credible witness
- Blank spaces in the document that should be filled
- The signer seems confused, pressured or unable to communicate directly with the notary
- The notary is a party to the document or has a financial interest in it
- A request to certify a copy of a vital record or recordable document
- A request for legal advice or to choose or prepare a document
Certified copies
Texas notaries may certify copies only of documents that are not public records and not recordable. Copies of birth, death or marriage certificates must be requested from the agency that issued them.
How to avoid a refused appointment
Bring a current photo ID, keep the document complete but unsigned, make sure every signer can be present, and contact the notary in advance if you are unsure. Questions about the content of the document should go to a licensed attorney.
Sources: Texas Secretary of State notary public guidance; Texas Government Code Chapter 406.
Helpful links
Related questions
I am not a licensed attorney in Texas and cannot give legal advice. / No soy abogado licenciado en Texas y no puedo dar asesoría legal.