If you're interested in becoming a notary public in Texas, there are a few steps you'll need to take. First, you'll need to meet the state's eligibility requirements. Then, you'll need to complete a notary public education course and pass a background check.
Once you've completed these steps, you can apply for a notary public commission with the Texas Secretary of State. If your application is accepted, you'll receive a commission certificate and a notary seal. You'll then be able to perform notary services, such as witnessing signatures and verifying documents.
To learn more about the requirements and steps involved in becoming a notary public in Texas, continue reading this article.
How to Become a Notary in Texas
Here are 8 important points to remember:
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Complete notary education course
- Pass background check
- Apply for notary commission
- Receive commission certificate
- Obtain notary seal
- Perform notary services
- Maintain notary records
By following these steps, you can become a notary public in Texas and provide valuable services to your community.
Meet eligibility requirements
To become a notary public in Texas, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years old: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a notary public commission in Texas.
2. Be a resident of Texas: You must be a resident of Texas at the time you apply for a notary public commission. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must be able to read and write English.
3. Have a high school diploma or equivalent: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED certificate. You do not need to have a college degree.
4. Pass a background check: You must pass a background check conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The background check will include a criminal history check and a fingerprint check.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can proceed to the next step, which is to complete a notary public education course.
Complete notary education course
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you must complete a notary public education course. The course must be approved by the Texas Secretary of State and must cover the following topics:
- The duties and responsibilities of a notary public
- The different types of notarial acts
- The procedures for performing notarial acts
- The laws and regulations governing notaries public in Texas
The notary public education course is typically offered online or in person. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider.
Once you have completed the notary public education course, you will receive a certificate of completion. You will need to submit this certificate when you apply for a notary public commission.
In addition to the notary public education course, you may also want to consider taking a notary public exam preparation course. This course can help you prepare for the notary public exam, which you must pass in order to become a notary public in Texas.
Once you have completed the notary public education course and (optionally) the notary public exam preparation course, you can proceed to the next step, which is to apply for a notary public commission.
Pass background check
As part of the notary public application process, you must pass a background check conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The background check will include a criminal history check and a fingerprint check.
The criminal history check will search for any felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions that are related to dishonesty or breach of trust. The fingerprint check will be used to search for any outstanding warrants or arrests.
To pass the background check, you must have a clean criminal record. If you have any criminal convictions, you may still be eligible to become a notary public, but your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To initiate the background check, you will need to submit your fingerprints and pay a fee to the DPS. You can submit your fingerprints electronically or at a DPS office.
Once the DPS has completed the background check, you will be notified of the results. If you pass the background check, you can proceed to the next step, which is to apply for a notary public commission.
Here are some additional tips for passing the background check:
- Be honest on your notary public application. If you have any criminal convictions, disclose them on your application. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction could result in your notary public commission being denied.
- If you have any outstanding warrants or arrests, resolve them before applying for a notary public commission.
- If you have any concerns about passing the background check, you can contact the DPS for more information.
Apply for notary commission
Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements and passed the background check, you can apply for a notary public commission.
- Submit an application: You can download the notary public application form from the Texas Secretary of State's website. The application requires you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You must also submit a copy of your notary public education certificate and a copy of your background check results.
- Pay a fee: There is a $60 fee to apply for a notary public commission in Texas. You can pay the fee online or by mail.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application and paid the fee, you can submit your application to the Texas Secretary of State's office. You can submit your application online or by mail.
- Wait for approval: The Texas Secretary of State's office will review your application and make a decision on whether to approve your commission. The review process can take up to 60 days.
If your application is approved, you will receive a notary public commission certificate and a notary seal in the mail. You will also be listed in the Texas Secretary of State's directory of notaries public.
Receive commission certificate
Once your application for a notary public commission has been approved, you will receive a notary public commission certificate and a notary seal in the mail.
- Review your commission certificate: Once you receive your commission certificate, review it carefully to make sure that all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, contact the Texas Secretary of State's office immediately.
- Display your commission certificate: You are required to display your notary public commission certificate in a conspicuous place in your office or place of business. This will let people know that you are a notary public and that they can come to you for notary services.
- Keep your commission certificate safe: Your notary public commission certificate is an important document. You should keep it in a safe place and make sure that it does not get lost or stolen.
- Renew your commission: Your notary public commission will expire four years after the date it was issued. You can renew your commission by submitting a renewal application to the Texas Secretary of State's office. The renewal fee is $30.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are properly commissioned as a notary public in Texas and that you are able to provide notary services to the public.
Obtain notary seal
In addition to your notary public commission certificate, you will also need to obtain a notary seal. The notary seal is used to emboss your signature and the date on all of the documents that you notarize.
There are two types of notary seals that you can choose from: a traditional notary seal or an electronic notary seal. Traditional notary seals are made of metal or plastic and are embossed by hand. Electronic notary seals are digital images that are applied to documents electronically.
To obtain a traditional notary seal, you can purchase one from a local office supply store or online. To obtain an electronic notary seal, you will need to purchase a digital signature certificate from a trusted provider.
Once you have obtained your notary seal, you will need to register it with the Texas Secretary of State's office. The registration fee is $10. You can register your notary seal online or by mail.
Once your notary seal is registered, you can start using it to notarize documents. When you notarize a document, you will need to emboss your signature and the date on the document with your notary seal.
Perform notary services
As a notary public, you are authorized to perform a variety of notary services, including:
- Witnessing signatures
- Verifying the identity of signers
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking depositions
- Protesting notes and drafts
- Certifying copies of documents
To perform a notary service, you will need to:
- Determine that the signer is competent and understands the document they are signing.
- Verify the identity of the signer using a valid form of identification.
- Have the signer sign the document in your presence.
- Emboss your signature and the date on the document with your notary seal.
- Keep a record of the notary service you performed.
It is important to note that you are not allowed to provide legal advice or to interpret the contents of a document. If a signer has questions about the document they are signing, you should advise them to consult with an attorney.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are performing notary services in a professional and ethical manner.
Maintain notary records
As a notary public, you are required to keep a record of all of the notary services you perform. This record is called a notary journal.
- What information to include: Your notary journal should include the following information for each notary service you perform:
- The date the service was performed
- The type of service performed
- The name and address of the signer
- The type of identification used to verify the signer's identity
- The number and expiration date of your notary commission
- Your signature
- How long to keep records: You are required to keep your notary journal for at least four years after the date the service was performed.
- How to store records: You can store your notary journal in a physical notebook or in an electronic format. If you store your records electronically, you must make sure that they are secure and backed up regularly.
- When to produce records: You may be required to produce your notary journal to a court of law or to the Texas Secretary of State's office. You may also be required to produce your records to a member of the public who requests them.
By maintaining accurate and complete notary records, you can protect yourself from liability and ensure that you are complying with the law.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a notary public in Texas:
Question 1: What are the eligibility requirements to become a notary public in Texas?
Answer 1: To become a notary public in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a background check.
Question 2: Where can I take a notary public education course?
Answer 2: There are many providers that offer notary public education courses online and in person. You can find a list of approved providers on the Texas Secretary of State's website.
Question 3: How do I apply for a notary public commission?
Answer 3: To apply for a notary public commission, you must submit an application, pay a fee, and pass a background check. You can download the application form from the Texas Secretary of State's website.
Question 4: How long does it take to get a notary public commission?
Answer 4: The review process for notary public applications can take up to 60 days. However, you may be able to get your commission sooner if you apply online.
Question 5: How much does it cost to become a notary public in Texas?
Answer 5: The total cost to become a notary public in Texas is $100. This includes the cost of the notary public education course, the application fee, and the notary seal.
Question 6: How long does a notary public commission last?
Answer 6: A notary public commission in Texas lasts for four years. You can renew your commission by submitting a renewal application to the Texas Secretary of State's office.
Question 7: What are the duties and responsibilities of a notary public?
Answer 7: As a notary public, you are authorized to perform a variety of notary services, including witnessing signatures, verifying the identity of signers, administering oaths and affirmations, and taking depositions.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a notary public in Texas. If you have any other questions, you can contact the Texas Secretary of State's office.
Now that you know how to become a notary public in Texas, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you get started as a notary public in Texas:
Tip 1: Choose the right notary seal.
There are two types of notary seals that you can choose from: a traditional notary seal or an electronic notary seal. Traditional notary seals are made of metal or plastic and are embossed by hand. Electronic notary seals are digital images that are applied to documents electronically. Consider the pros and cons of each type of seal before making a decision.
Tip 2: Keep your notary journal up to date.
As a notary public, you are required to keep a record of all of the notary services you perform. This record is called a notary journal. Make sure to keep your notary journal up to date and store it in a safe place.
Tip 3: Be professional and courteous.
When you are performing notary services, it is important to be professional and courteous. This will help you build a good reputation and attract more clients.
Tip 4: Get involved in your community.
One of the best ways to market your notary public services is to get involved in your community. Attend local events, join business organizations, and volunteer your time. This will help you get your name out there and meet potential clients.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success as a notary public in Texas.
Now that you have all the information you need to become a notary public in Texas, it's time to take action.
Conclusion
Becoming a notary public in Texas is a rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can become a notary public and provide valuable services to your community.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- To become a notary public in Texas, you must meet the eligibility requirements, complete a notary public education course, pass a background check, and apply for a notary public commission.
- Once you have been commissioned as a notary public, you will need to obtain a notary seal and keep a record of all of the notary services you perform.
- As a notary public, you are authorized to perform a variety of notary services, including witnessing signatures, verifying the identity of signers, administering oaths and affirmations, and taking depositions.
- To be successful as a notary public, it is important to be professional, courteous, and involved in your community.
If you are interested in becoming a notary public in Texas, I encourage you to take the first step and learn more about the requirements. With a little effort, you can become a notary public and make a difference in your community.
Thank you for reading!