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Answers to Go with Susan Smith

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Q. I’d like to become a notary public. What is the process for that? Is there training?

A. Notaries public fall under the Texas Secretary of State.

The following information is based on the notary public Frequently Asked Questions section of their website: To be commissioned as a notary public in Texas, you must be a Texas resident at least 18 years of age who has not received a final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony.

If you meet those eligibility requirements, submit the following three things to the secretary of state: 1) Completed Form 2301 (available from the secretary of state website, county clerk, or your insurance agency or surety company); 2) Proof of a $10,000 surety bond; and 3) Filing fee of $21.

Once you are commissioned, you may purchase your required notary seal and record book from any office supply company.

When embossed, stamped, or printed on a document, the seal of office must clearly show the words “Notary Public, State of Texas” around a star of five points, the notary public’s name, and the date the notary public’s commission expires.

Notaries public commissioned for the first time on or after Jan. 1, 2016, and notaries public renewing their commissions on or after that date must have their notary ID number on their seal of office.

This website also provides a link to their free online training. Here’s the introduction: “This course will provide you with the education and training you need to become a notary public in the state of Texas.

“It covers topics such as the steps in becoming a notary, how to perform a notarization, how to properly keep records, and important information on the state regulations governing notaries public.”

I found this information with this online search: texas.gov notary public.

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