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Find a Notary > Texas Notary > Become a Notary
Become a Texas Notary Public
Related Links
Texas Notary Fees and FAQ
Texas Notary Acknowledgment and Jurat Information
Texas / TX Notary Bond, Seal, Stamp Info
Texas Notary Classes and Seminars
Texas Notary Commission Application Handbook
How to become a Texas Notary Public
Contact the Secretary of State, Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 13375, Austin, Texas 78711-3375 or call 512-463-5705.
A TX Notary must file a $10,000 bond with the Texas Secretary of State
TX Notary Code Ann. § 406.014 - A Notary Public must maintain a record book
The applicant must be at least 18 years of age
A Texas notary must also keep an official notary seal.
Common acts for a Texas notary public include:
Adknowledgments, Jurats, Oaths, Affirmations, Affidavits, Protests and Verifications
"A notary public other than a court clerk notarizing instruments for the court shall keep in a book a record of: (1)
the date of each instrument notarized; (2) the date of the notarization; (3) the name of the signer, grantor, or
maker; (4) the signer's, grantor's, or maker's residence or alleged residence; (5) whether the signer, grantor, or
maker is personally known by the notary public, was identified by an identification card issued by a governmental
agency or a passport issued by the United States, or was introduced to the notary public and, if introduced, the name
and residence or alleged residence of the individual introducing the signer, grantor, or maker; (6) if the instrument
is proved by a witness, the residence of the witness, whether the witness is personally known by the notary public or
was introduced to the notary public and, if introduced, the name and residence of the individual introducing the
witness; (7) the name and residence of the grantee; (8) if land is conveyed or charged by the instrument, the name of
the original grantee and the county where the land is located; and (9) a brief description of the instrument."
TX Notary Government Code Ann. § 406.013 requires a Notary Public to use a seal to authenticate the Notary Public's
official acts
Texas Notary Public Government Code Ann. § 406.019 requires a Notary Public to notify the Secretary of State of any
change of address within ten (10) days of the date on which the change is made. The Notary may fill out a Notary
Public Change of Address form or send a letter with the notary's name, social security number, old address, and new
address to: Secretary of State, Notary Public Unit, P. O. Box 13375, Austin, Texas 78711-3375.
Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
Section 406.017 states:
(a) A person commits an offense if the person: states or implies that the person is an attorney licensed to practice
law in this state, solicits or accepts compensation to prepare documents for or otherwise represent the interest of
another in a judicial or administrative proceeding, including a proceeding relating to immigration to the United
States, United States citizenship, or related matters;
solicits or accepts compensation to obtain relief of any kind on behalf of another from any officer, agency, or
employee of this state or the United States; uses the phrase "notario or "notario publico" to advertise the services
of a notary public, whether by signs, pamphlets, stationary or other written communication or by radio or television.
advertises the services of a notary public in a language other than English, whether by signs, pamphlets, stationary
or other written communication or by radio or television; if the person does not post or otherwise include the notice
with the advertisement a notice that complies with Subsection (b).
(b) The notice required by Subsection (a)(5) must state that the notary public is not an attorney and must be in
English and in the language of the advertisement and in letters of a conspicuous size. If the advertisement is by
radio or television, the statement may be modified, but must include substantially the same message. The notice must
include the fees that a notary public may charge and the following statement:
"I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN TEXAS AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT
FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE."
(c) It is an exception to prosecution under this section that, at the time the conduct charged, the person is licensed
to practice law in this state and is in good standing with the State bar of Texas.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e) of this section, an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the
defendant has previously been convicted under this section.
(f) Failure to comply with this section is, in addition to a violation of any other applicable law of this state, a
deceptive trade practice actionable under Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code.
Revocation or suspension of commission by the Secretary of State
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