We have listed questions that are frequently asked by Texas notaries public. For your
convenience we divided the FAQs into several categories. If you have any question on a
notary topic or issue email us at
info@texasnotary.com.
Q Is a notary public seal required?
A Yes, Tex. Gov Ann. 406.013 requires a notary public to use a seal of office to authenticate all his/her acts. A notary public shall provide a seal of office that clearly shows, when embossed, stamped, or printed on a document, the words "notary public, State of Texas" around a star of five points, the notary public's name, and the date the commission expires. The seal may be a circular form not more than 2" in diameter or a rectangular form not more than
one inch in width and 21/2 inches in length.
Q May I have more than one stamp or seal made to keep one at home and one at the office?
A Yes. Call The American Association of Notaries at 1-800-721-2663, email us at info@texasnotary.com, or click here for additional notary stamps, embossers, and all other notary supplies.
Q Do I need to keep a record book?
A Yes, a Texas notary public is required by law to maintain a record book, or journal, of every notarial act performed. This record book must be maintained whether or not any fees are charged for your notary public service. We recommend that you record every notarization in your journal. This is self-protection against possible suits.
Q How long must I keep my journal?
A You must keep your journal(s) during the entire period for which you are a notary public in the state of Texas. Upon resignation or removal from office, the journal must be turned over to the County Clerk's office in which the Notary
Public resides.
Q I lost my seal, what should I do now?
A Notify the Secretary of State immediately, and note the last time the seal was used. Call The American Association of Notaries at 1-800-721-2663, email us at info@texasnotary.com, or click here for a new stamp.
Q My employer kept my seal and journal. Is this appropriate?
A No. The seal, commission certificate, journal are the property of the notary. Your commission is issued to you, not to your employer, and your employer has no legal right to keep any of your notarial items, even if the employer paid for your commission. Your commission will expire upon the expiration date, regardless of where you work or if you are employed or not.
Q What color ink can I use on my stamp?
A Permanent ink must be used when using a rubber stamp type notary seal; black ink is strongly recommended.
Q Is an embosser allowed in Texas?
A Yes, Texas law states that either a rubber stamp-type notary seal or an embosser seal may be used. The American Association of Notaries recommends a self-inking notary stamp if only one seal is used, but many notaries prefer to use both. However, when using an embossing seal, either alone or along with your self-inking notary stamp, you must be sure to darken the raised letters of the embosser’s impression so that it is legible on a photocopy. (Embossers are recommended for all documents destined for overseas recipients).
To order a self-inking stamp, an impression seal, or impression inker, contact our office at 1-800-721-2663 or click here.
Texas Notary Bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). American Association of Notaries is owned by Kal Tabbara, a licensed insurance agent in Texas.
