Who Can Notarize a Document in Texas?
Notarization is the process of certifying a document as a true and accurate copy of the original. It is a common requirement for many legal documents, such as deeds, wills, and powers of attorney. In Texas, there are several types of individuals who are authorized to notarize documents.
Notaries Public
The most common type of person who can notarize documents in Texas is a notary public. Notaries public are appointed by the Secretary of State and are commissioned to perform notarial acts. They must meet certain qualifications, such as being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and passing an exam.
Commissioners of the Court
Commissioners of the court are another type of individual who can notarize documents in Texas. They are appointed by the district or county court and are authorized to perform notarial acts within their jurisdiction.
Clerks of the Court
Clerks of the court are also authorized to notarize documents in Texas. They are elected or appointed officials who serve in the district or county court.
Judges
Judges can also notarize documents in Texas, but they are not typically used for this purpose. Judges are usually busy with other judicial duties and may not have the time or inclination to notarize documents.
Who Cannot Notarize Documents in Texas?
There are a few types of individuals who are not authorized to notarize documents in Texas. These include:
- Lawyers
- Real estate agents
- Title companies
- Notaries public from other states
If you are unsure whether someone is authorized to notarize a document in Texas, you can check with the Secretary of State's office or the clerk of the court.
How to Find a Notary Public
There are several ways to find a notary public in Texas. You can:
- Check the Yellow Pages
- Search online
- Ask your bank or credit union
- Contact the Secretary of State's office
Cost of Notarization
The cost of notarization in Texas varies depending on the notary public. Some notaries charge a flat fee, while others charge a fee based on the number of pages to be notarized.
Important Things to Know About Notarization
Here are a few important things to know about notarization in Texas:
- The notary public must witness you sign the document.
- The notary public must affix their seal to the document.
- The notary public must keep a record of the notarization.
If you have any questions about notarization, please contact the Secretary of State's office or the clerk of the court.
Conclusion
Notarization is a common requirement for many legal documents. In Texas, there are several types of individuals who are authorized to notarize documents. If you need a document notarized, you can find a notary public by checking the Yellow Pages, searching online, asking your bank or credit union, or contacting the Secretary of State's office.
Additional Tips
- Bring two forms of identification with you when you have a document notarized.
- Make sure the notary public is properly commissioned.
- Keep a copy of the notarized document for your records.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any legal questions, please consult with an attorney.
Here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Texas Secretary of State's Office:
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/ - Texas Bar Association:
https://www.texasbar.com/ - National Notary Association:
https://www.nationalnotary.org/
I hope this blog post has been informative and entertaining. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
P.S. If you're ever in a pinch and need a document notarized, don't forget about the good ol' public library. Many libraries now offer notary services.
P.P.S. Did you know that the first notary public in the United States was appointed by George Washington in 1789?
P.P.P.S. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even become a notary public yourself! Just be prepared to take a test and pay a fee.
I hope you have a great day!