| How much does it cost to become a notary public in Texas? |
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The application fee to become a notary public is $71. This fee includes the $21 state filing fee plus the $50 premium for the notary bond which is required by the state. This fee will cover the 4 years of your commission. Notary supplies are an additional charge. |
| What is a notary bond and why am I required to have one? |
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Each notary public takes an official oath of office (located on the back of his/her commission) to faithfully perform the duties of the office. To insure such performance, the notary is required to post a $10,000 notary surety bond with the Secretary of State. A notary public is personally liable for negligence or fraud in the performance of these duties. The bond is to insure that the person injured as a result of this neglect can recover at least $10,000. |
| My employer would not let me take my notary stamp or record book with me when I left his employment. |
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Under Texas law, the supplies of the notary are to remain in the notary's possession as long as the commission is in force, regardless of who pays for the supplies or commission fees. |
| May I make a certified copy of a birth certificate? |
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No. You may not make a certified copy of a recordable document such as a birth certificate, death certificate or a Deed of Trust. Certified copies must be obtained from the custodian of the record. However, as a notary, you may take the original birth certificate, make two copies (one for your records) and have the customer sign an affidavit stating that the photocopied document is a true and exact copy of the original. This is not a certified copy, but is accepted by most businesses and government entities as a suitable substitute. |
| Is it okay to notarize a document that has been faxed or mailed to me? |
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No. Notarization requires a personal appearance because the notary must witness the signature of the signer and properly identify him before signing and sealing the document. |
| May I fax my Application for Appointment as Notary Public to the TNPA office to speed up the process? |
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No. The Secretary of State will only accept applications that are on one sheet of paper, front and back. In addition, the required signatures on the application must be the originals (no copies).
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