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Committee moves to align notary law and administrative rules on credible witnesses
Summary
HB 4202 would reconcile statutory language with the Texas Administrative Code to clarify when a notary may rely on a credible witness (either personally known to the notary or presenting ID). Notaries testified about problems serving military families with newer military IDs and urged clarity; the committee reported the bill to the full Senate.
House Bill 4202 was presented to the Committee on State Affairs to resolve an apparent conflict between statute and the Texas Administrative Code on how a notary may identify a credible witness. The proposed change would allow a notary to deem a witness credible either if the witness is personally known to the notary or if the witness presents valid identification.
Martin Renteria, who runs a notary training forum, testified that notaries frequently encounter confusion around the credible‑witness rule and need clear guidance. Annette Donker, a veteran notary, said military customers often lack a drivers' license or have military IDs that no longer include signatures, making it difficult to find credible witnesses; she urged lawmakers to provide clear authority so notaries can serve mobile and military communities.
The committee closed testimony and left the bill pending while recording support and directing staff to address technical questions.
