You’ve got a stack of legal documents on your kitchen table, and you’re not sure what to do next. Someone told you to “get it notarized.” Someone else said you need to “have them served.” Are those the same thing? Not even close and mixing them up can cost you time, money, and in some cases, your entire case.
A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on a document, while a process server legally delivers court documents to another person and proves that delivery happened. If you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington and you’re staring at paperwork wondering which one you need, this guide will clear it up in a few minutes.
What Does a Notary Actually Do?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official who confirms you are who you say you are, and that you’re signing a document willingly and knowingly. Think of a notary as a fraud-prevention checkpoint. They’re not approving the content of your document — they’re verifying the person signing it.
Common documents that need notarization include:
- Real estate documents. Deeds, loan signings, and refinance paperwork almost always require a notary.
- Powers of attorney. These give someone legal authority to act on your behalf, so identity verification matters a lot.
- Affidavits and sworn statements. Anything where you’re swearing something is true under oath.
- Wills, trusts, and estate documents. Many estate planning documents need notarization to hold up legally.
- Business agreements and contracts. Some contracts require notarization to be enforceable.
A mobile notary simply means the notary comes to you — your home, office, hospital room, or a coffee shop in Fort Worth — instead of you driving to them.
What Does a Process Server Do?
A process server delivers legal documents like a lawsuit, subpoena, divorce petition, or eviction notice to a person involved in a legal case. This is called “service of process,” and it’s a required step that gives someone official notice that legal action involves them.
Courts in Texas require proof that the other party actually received these documents. That’s where a process server comes in. After delivering the paperwork, the server completes a signed affidavit confirming when, where, and how the documents were handed over. Without that proof, your case can stall or get thrown out entirely.
Process servers are commonly used for:
- Divorce and custody filings. One spouse must formally notify the other that proceedings have begun.
- Debt collection lawsuits. Creditors need proof the defendant was notified before a judgment can move forward.
- Eviction notices. Landlords in Dallas and Arlington often need documented proof of delivery before a court will hear the case.
- Subpoenas. Witnesses or parties required to appear in court need formal, documented notice.
How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it: if you’re signing something yourself, you need a notary. If you need someone else to receive legal paperwork — and you need proof they got it — you need a process server.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I signing this document? If yes, you likely need a notary to witness it.
- Does someone else need to be formally notified about a lawsuit? If yes, you need a process server.
- Do I need legal proof that delivery happened? That’s a process server’s job, not a notary’s.
- Is this document going to a court, government agency, or foreign country? You may need both notarization and an apostille, which is a separate certification step.
Still unsure? That’s normal. A quick call to a local notary and process serving company can save you from filing something incorrectly and having to start over.
How Does the Process Work With NBS Notary?
Whether you need a signature witnessed or documents served, the process is straightforward.
Step 1 — Tell us what you need. Call or book online and let us know if you need a notary, a process server, or both. We serve Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding communities.
Step 2 — We schedule around you. Mobile notary appointments can happen at your home, office, or a public meeting spot. Process serving is scheduled based on the recipient’s known location and availability.
Step 3 — We complete the job correctly. Notarizations are performed following Texas notary law. Process serving is completed following Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, so your documents hold up in court.
Step 4 — You get your paperwork. For notarizations, you leave with your signed and notarized documents. For process serving, you receive a signed affidavit of service as proof of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same company handle both notarizing and process serving?
Yes. NBS Notary offers both services throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington, which is convenient if your situation involves signing some documents and having others formally delivered.
Do I need to be present for process serving?
No. The process server delivers documents to the named recipient, not to the person requesting service. You’ll simply receive confirmation once service is complete.
What happens if the person avoids being served?
A skilled process server knows how to legally attempt service multiple times and at different locations. In some cases, alternative methods of service may be requested from the court if someone is actively avoiding delivery.
Do notarized documents ever also need an apostille?
Sometimes. If a notarized document is headed to another country for a job, adoption, or property transaction, for example: it often needs an apostille from the Texas Secretary of State after notarization.
Ready to Get Your Documents Handled the Right Way?
Don’t guess when it comes to legal paperwork. Whether you need a mobile notary, a reliable process server, or an apostille courier in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington, NBS Notary is ready to help.
Book your appointment online now, or give us a call to talk through exactly what your situation needs. We’ll make sure your documents are handled correctly the first time.