What is the new Texas notary law?

Asked by: Bethel Rolfson Sr.  |  Last update: August 13, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

This new notary law allows a Texas notary to record in their notary journal, the expiration date of an identification card issued by a governmental agency (including a passport issued by the United States) if the signer, grantor, or maker of an instrument or document presents the document to the notary public as ...

What documents Cannot be notarized in Texas?

According to the Secretary of State, one document that is commonly presented for notarization that cannot be notarized in the state of Texas is the I-9 form. There are no other known examples of documents that Texas Notaries cannot notarize.

Are Texas notaries required to keep a log?

Yes. A Texas notary public is required to maintain a record book.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

What makes a notarized document invalid in Texas?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

For example, the seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Ep 1 - Part 1 of 2 - NEW Texas Notary Laws (Effective Sept. 1, 2023)

42 related questions found

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

What is the new notary law in Texas?

This new notary law allows a Texas notary to record in their notary journal, the expiration date of an identification card issued by a governmental agency (including a passport issued by the United States) if the signer, grantor, or maker of an instrument or document presents the document to the notary public as ...

What happens if a notary does not witness signature?

In fact, most state notary laws prohibit a notary from notarizing a signature if the signer is not present. Violating the personal presence requirement may result in monetary loss for the client and lead to a lawsuit against the notary or a claim against the notary's bond.

What color ink should a notary use in Texas?

What color ink can I use on my notary stamp? Permanent ink must be used when using a rubber stamp type notary stamp; black ink is strongly recommended.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

How to dispose of a notary book?

California requires its Notaries to keep all completed journals as long as they maintain a current Notary commission. California Notaries whose commissions end without being renewed must turn in their journals within 30 days to the county clerk's office where their oath of office is on file.

What disqualifies you from being a notary in Texas?

To be commissioned as a notary public in Texas, you must be a Texas resident at least 18 years of age who has not received a final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony.

What act can a notary not conduct?

Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.

How much does the UPS store charge for notary?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.

What is the most a notary can charge in Texas?

The maximum allowable fees a Texas notary or their employer may charge for notarial acts are as follows:
  • For swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate, seal, and other business connected with taking the deposition: $10.
  • For a notarial act not provided for: $10.

Can a notary use a picture of your ID?

Several states require the signer to present an actual identification document — not a copy. For example, California, Florida and Pennsylvania require signers to present specific identification documents for notarization.

In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?

Here are several other potential situations when you should refuse the request:
  • You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive.
  • The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act.
  • The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
  • The request is made outside of your regular office hours.

What is the difference between a mobile notary and a notary public?

The only difference between a Mobile Notary and a regular Notary is travel. A Mobile Notary commutes to the customer's location to perform basic notarizations instead of having the client come to them. In some states, a Mobile Notary may charge additional travel fees in addition to the fee for notarization.

How much does UPS charge for notary in Texas?

UPS notary services in Texas usually cost between $6 to $20 per signature. This fee can vary based on factors like the type of document, additional services like printing and shipping, and the specific UPS store location.

Can notaries swear people in?

2093. (a) Every court, every judge, or clerk of any court, every justice, and every notary public, and every officer or person authorized to take testimony in any action or proceeding, or to decide upon evidence, has the power to administer oaths or affirmations.

When a notary makes a mistake?

Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties. You may not be aware of it, but even a typo in a document notarized can cost you $20,000.

How do I void a notary entry?

You can void out the journal entry. By drawing a single line through the entry and write “VOID”. In addition, we recommend adding a notation stating why the entry was voided.