A notary public in Texas has the authority granted by the state of Texas to make documents and other assertions “official.” In Texas, being a notary is a simple process; as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can become a notary. To become a notary, you must first get a surety bond as a private citizen. You can become a notary without a surety bond if you work for a Texas state agency. In that instance, your commission as a notary public will expire when your state employment ends. In this guide, you will learn all about this term including how to become a notary in Texas this 2023, either online or off, and the necessary requirements needed in your application.
What is a Notary Public?
The state government often appoints a Notary Public to act as an unbiased third-party witness when signing documents. They use stamps to verify a signer’s identity and desire to sign a document while also signing and notarizing it.
A Brief Overview of the Term
If you live in Texas and are searching for a way to supplement your income, being a notary is a viable choice. The Texas Secretary of State commissions and appoints new public notaries. So, whether you want to broaden your CV or help your community, become a notary in Texas and earn additional money.
The state of Texas, on the other hand, ensures that all notaries public serve citizens in a fair and impartial manner. As a notary, you will be responsible for witnessing each document signing before granting your seal of approval that, to the best of your knowledge, the document is valid.
Qualifications to Become a Notary in Texas 2023
To begin, you must confirm that you meet the qualifications before becoming a notary. The requirements are determined by residency, age, and history.
#1. Be 18 years of age or older
In Texas, one must be at least eighteen years old to become a notary public. Your birth certificate serves as proof of your age.
- Get a copy of your birth certificate. If you don’t already have one, you might have to write, call, or (e)mail a form and fee to the Office of Vital Records in the city, town, or county where you were born.
- Links to the Offices of Vital Records in every state can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
#2. Reside in Texas
In Texas, establishing legal residency might take up to 30 days.
- Legal residency in Texas can be demonstrated with a number of documents, including utility bills, vehicle registration, voter registration, mortgage or deed in your name, and many others.
- For a full list of documents that can be used to demonstrate residency for acquiring a Driver’s License in Texas
#3. Know that certain crimes make you ineligible
If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, you are automatically unable to qualify to become a notary in Texas. You can still seek to become a notary in Texas if you have been convicted of a crime that was neither a felony nor involved moral turpitude. However, prepare your legal documents because you will be required to submit them along with the application form.
Aside from these three basic requirements, several factors influence whether you are permitted to function as a notary public in Texas. While the majority of these standards are uniform, some may differ per state.
Education and Certifications
In Texas, there are no educational requirements to become a notary. That is all you need as long as you are a valid, lawful resident. If you want to study about becoming a notary, you can always look for online colleges that will teach you about general rules and regulations in the state of Texas. These may even be useful in your notary application.
Process of Application and Licensing
Once you have determined that you match the eligibility standards outlined above, you must submit an application to the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Unit.
#1. Download the correct form
Form 2301 or Form 2301-NB can be downloaded. The first form is for private individuals, while the second is for state personnel applying without a bond.
#2. Fill out Form 2301 or Form 2301-NB
You may fill out this form online and then print it, or you can print it first and then fill it out by hand.
- A social security number, an email address, a work address, and either valid state identification or a driver’s license are required.
- Check that your name is consistent across all forms of documents.
If you have been found guilty of a crime that was neither a felony nor involved in moral turpitude, you can still apply, but you must note this on the form and provide documentation of your court order and sentence, papers pertaining to probation release, a statement of the nature, circumstances, date, and location of the crime, and whether or not the case is under appeal.
#3. Provide proof of a Texas Notary surety bond
If you are a private individual, you must show proof of a $10,000 Texas Notary surety bond and acquire the surety provider’s signature.
- There is a line on Form 2301 that the Texas Notary surety firm must fill out and a sign indicating that you have taken out the bond, therefore bring it with you so that it can be signed in person.
- The Texas Notary surety bond is typical for many official posts and serves as a guarantee that you will carry out your obligations honestly and honorably as a bearer of “public trust.”
- The Texas Notary surety bond covers any costs that may emerge if you fail to fulfill your obligations as a public notary appropriately, or that come directly from your notarial actions.
- A surety firm and/or insurance company licensed in Texas must furnish this Texas Notary surety bond.
- The Texas Notary surety bond must be $10,000 in value.
#4. Pay a $21 filing fee
The processing of your application documents is included in the cost. This cost can be paid by filling out a Payment Form or by personal check or credit card, while credit card payments are subject to a 2.7% transaction fee.
You must take an oath of office once your application has been approved by the notary public commission. This will take place in the Secretary of State’s notary public unit.
Being a Notary in Texas 2023
Here are some additional actions to consider if you are already in the military:
#1. Maintain a notary’s record book
The notebook is a public state record that is required.
- Blank notary public notebooks can be purchased in a variety of stores.
- Be as thorough as possible, and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the commission packet supplied to you by the Texas Secretary of State.
#2. Acquire and use the notary public seal
In Texas, a notary seal is necessary and must comply with Texas Governmental Code Section 446.013. The language, size, form, and style of the seal are all critical.
#3. Charge the correct fee for your services
The state of Texas establishes fees for notary public services in Texas Governmental Code Section 406.024.
Steps in Maintaining Your Notary Public Commission in Texas in 2023
You must realize that you must keep your employment now that you have begun your new profession as a public worker. These are some steps that can help you move forward:
#1. Renew your commission 90 days before it expires
Your commission is valid for four years, but it must be renewed 90 days (3 months) before it expires. To renew, repeat the processes outlined above in Becoming a Notary in Texas.
#2. Continue to fulfill the duties of a notary public honestly
People have the right to file complaints against a notary public at any time, and the Texas Secretary of State has the authority to cancel a public notary commission at any time.
#3. Make sure your surety bond is paid on time and that your account is in good standing
This is one bill you should pay on time or sooner because a lapse in your bond coverage puts you at risk of being fired and having your commission revoked.
How to Become a Notary in Texas Online in 2023
Yes, you can become a notary public in Texas exclusively online in 2023. Your services are valid in Texas if you become an officially appointed online notary public.
After meeting all of the requirements to become a traditional notary in Texas, you can apply to become an online notary in 2023 by:
- Have an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Choose a RON vendor.
- Buy a digital certificate and eSeal that is compatible with your chosen vendor.
- Complete the form.
- Use the digital certificate and seal you bought to sign the Statement of Officer form.
- Pay the application fee.
- You should receive a reference number and email regarding your application in less than 3 business days.
After becoming an online notary in Texas, you must follow the Texas Online Notary Public’s Handbook. The regulations for offering online notary services in Texas are outlined in this guidebook.
What Can I Expect if I Work Online?
The amount of work an online notary receives can vary greatly, as it does in other professions. Tax season, when papers such as tax returns must be signed and notarized, is typically the busiest time. However, there is a consistent need for authentication services from organizations and individuals throughout the year. Many firms require constant notarizations.
It is vital to note that as an online notary, you are accountable for following to the state’s requirements. This includes ensuring that documents are correctly prepared and attested, as well as that they contain all of the required information. Furthermore, the most effective online notaries devote some effort to client acquisition and sales funneling.
How Much Does a Mobile Notary Make in Texas 2023?
Remember that becoming a notary in Texas is a wonderful side hustle to develop an additional income stream while doing your day or main job. As a Texas notary, you can expect to earn between $9 and $21 per hour. Being a mobile loan notary, such as with a mortgage firm, can earn significantly more. This is the most that can be charged.
What Does It Cost to Be a Notary in Texas?
The filing fee in the state is $21. The price of your bond, seal, and journal will vary depending on the seller you select. Check the fine print and product quality before purchasing your goods.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Notary Public in Texas?
After you submit your application, it may take up to 30 days for the Texas Secretary of State to issue your commission certification, and another 10 days for us to issue your personalized notary stamp after we receive a copy of your commission.
How Much Do Notaries Make in Texas Per Signing?
The average annual salary for a Notary Signing Agent in Texas is $77,320 as of May 19, 2023.
What Are the Requirements to Get Notary License in Texas?
In Texas, there are three basic requirements for becoming a Notary:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a resident of the state of Texas.
- Not be convicted of a felony or a crime that involves moral turpitude that has not been dismissed or discharged by law.
What Can a Notary Do in Texas?
A Texas Notary Public is a statewide public servant who is authorized to take acknowledgments, protest instruments that are permitted by law to be protested (primarily negotiable instruments and bills and notes), administer oaths, take depositions, and certify copies of documents that are not recordable in the public…
What Type of Notary Makes the Most Money?
Signing Agents are among the busiest Notaries Public. As a result, they tend to have the highest income. A Signing Agent (sometimes known as a “courtesy signer”) is a Notary who has additional training and certification to engage in real estate transactions.
Conclusion
Please follow the instructions in this tutorial to become a Texas notary in 2023. We have taken an effort to research everything you need to know about becoming a notary in Texas. We also discussed how to handle and sustain your new career immediately following the oath. So take your time, examine the entire process, and make the most of it.
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