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What Does a Texas Notary Do?
Over four million people in the United States (over 400,000 in Texas alone!) are notaries public. A common impression among most people is that a Texas notary is just someone who “witnesses” or “verifies” signatures. However, a Texas notary’s duties are a lot more complicated than that. Here is a more complete description:
A Texas notary is a person of proven integrity appointed by the State of Texas to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, and performing other acts authorized by law.
Before being recognized as public officials of the State of Texas, notaries must take an oath in which they swear to support, protect, and defend the constitutions of Texas and the United States
Notaries play an essential role in the functioning of our legal and commercial systems. They hold a position of trust. The public relies upon notaries to ensure integrity in the execution and signing of business, personal, and legal documents. Properly notarized documents can help bind agreements, prevent disputes, and protect against fraud. However, it is important for notaries to keep in mind that notarization does not guarantee the legal sufficiency, authenticity, or truthfulness of a document’s content. Notarization only guarantees:
- The signer has been positively identified by the Texas notary.
- The signer has personally appeared before the Texas notary to sign the document willingly, without any coercion, and for the purpose stated on the document.
- The Texas notary performed the notarial act on the date stated on the notarial certificate.
Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
Texas notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the 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.