General notary services in Texas typically involve a notary public witnessing the signing of important documents and verifying the identities of the signatories. Notaries in Texas have the authority to administer oaths, certify affidavits, and authenticate signatures. Here's a breakdown of what basic notary services in Texas typically entail:

1. Document Verification: When a person needs a document notarized, they bring it to a notary public. The notary verifies the document's authenticity and ensures it contains no blank spaces or missing pages.

2. Identity Verification: The notary verifies the identities of the signatories by checking their government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver's license or passport. They may also require additional identification if necessary.

3. Signing Ceremony: The notary witnesses the signing of the document. Each signatory must sign the document in the presence of the notary. The notary may ask the signatories to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true and accurate.

4. Notarial Certificate: After the document is signed, the notary completes a notarial certificate, which includes the notary's signature, seal, and other pertinent details. This certificate affirms that the notary witnessed the signing of the document and verified the identities of the signatories.

5. Recordkeeping: The notary maintains a journal of notarial acts, recording details such as the date, type of document, method of identification, and any fees charged. This journal serves as a record of the notary's activities and may be required in legal proceedings.

6. Oath Administration and Affirmations: Notaries in Texas can administer oaths and affirmations for documents such as affidavits or sworn statements. This involves the signatory swearing under oath or affirming that the contents of the document are true.

7. Certifying Copies: Notaries may also certify copies of certain documents as true and correct copies of the original. This service is typically provided for documents such as diplomas, passports, or other important records.

***It's important to note that while notaries in Texas have authority to perform these basic services, they are prohibited from providing legal advice or drafting legal documents unless they are also licensed attorneys. Additionally, notaries must adhere to the laws and regulations governing notarial acts in Texas to ensure the validity and legality of the documents they notarize.

 

TEXAS NOTARY FEES  (Effective September 1, 2023)               FEES                TRAVEL                                                                       FEE

Notaries Public may charge the following fees:                                                        Travel + mileage (first 15 miles)                                  $25

For protesting a bill or note for nonacceptance or non-                                             each additional mile after 15 miles                              $1

acceptance or nonpayment , register and seal.......................       $4.00                  After Hours 8pm-10pm and weekends                        $30

For each notice of protest ..........................................................$1.00                  Late night or emergency 10pm-7am                            $60

For certificate and seal to a protest ...........................................$4.00

For taking the acknowledgement of                                                                       LOCATION CHARGES                                               FEE

proof of a deed or other instrument in writing,                                                      Hospital and Nursing Homes                                       $50

for registration, including certificate and seal;                                                       Jails and Detention Centers                                        $100

              For the first signature......................................................$10.00                  Airport Terminals                                                         $75

              For each additional signature..........................................$ 1.00

For administering an oath or affirmation

with certificate and seal .................................................................$10.00                  APOSTILLE SERVICES (Coming Soon)                  FEE

For a certificate under seal not                                                                                   Apostille First Document                                             $150                  otherwise provided for.....................................................................$10.00                  Each Additional Document                                         $ 50

For a copy of a record or paper in

the notary public's office (for each page)..................................... ..$ 1.00                 ADDITIONAL APOSTILLE SHIPPING CHARGES    FEE

For taking the deposition of a witness                                                                        Overnight shipping within US via common carrier       $45

(for each 100 words)...........................................................................$1.00                  Expedited shipping to Mexico or Canada                    $55

For swearing a witness to a deposition,                                                                      Expedited shipping to Western Europe, Japan,

certificate, seal, and other business connected                                                         S. Korea, or Argentina, Australia, New Zealand          $55

with taking the deposition................................................................$10.00                  Expedited shipping to Eastern Europe, Russia,                                                                                                                                                                            South America, Africa                                                  $75