How much does a notarization cost?
Texas Notaries may charge $10 per document and $1 each additional signature.
This does not include convenience fees for mobile notarization travel, online notarization platform costs, and other specialty services. (Click here to see our fees). What is a notary public?
A notary is unbiased and impartial. They will verify an individual's identity using various verification processes. Notaries also ensure that a signer chooses to sign willingly and without coercion. Notaries validate the legality of a signature on legal documents.
what if i don't have a valid government-issued id?
A notary must be able to validate the identity of a signer. If you do not have a valid government-issued identification card, a witness may be used to confirm a signers identity. This usually requires the witness to swear under oath under penalty of perjury, in the presence of a notary. (Visit Texas.gov to apply for an ID)
What is an apostille?
Apostilles authenticate and certify the seals and signatures of officials on public documents. This type of document legalization is typically used when sending docs outside of the United States.
I can't find a time slot
Emergencies happen. If you can't find an available time slot, and you have an urgent request, call or text 210-774-0943 or 210-701-0025, option 3.
Is it possible to reschedule an appointment after receiving an email confirmation?
Yes! Your email confirmation provides an option to reschedule. Simply click on the text link provided in your email.
CAN YOU NOTARIZE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
No. Recordable documents such as birth certificates can only be authenticated by the government entity that issues them.
I NEED A POWER OF ATTORNEY
A notary is not allowed to draft legal documents unless they are a licensed attorney. We are not able to create or modify legal documents. Legal docs should be obtained from a licened lawyer. We CAN however notarize your legal document.
do you provide any free legal documents?
Although we cannot provide you with legal documents, there are resources that do. We have a link to those resources on our Forms & Fees page.
In 2023 the Texas legislature authorized an increase in notary fees that Texas Notaries may charge for certain services. The standard fee was increased from $6.00 to $10.00. The new law also gives the Texas Secretary of State some authority over increasing or decreasing fees in the future.
Sec. 406.024. FEES CHARGED BY NOTARY PUBLIC. (a) A notary public or its employer may charge the following fees: (1) for protesting a bill or note for nonacceptance or nonpayment, register and seal, a fee of $4;(2) for each notice of protest, a fee of $1; (3) for protesting in all other cases, a fee of $4; (4) for certificate and seal to a protest, a fee of $4; (5) for taking the acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument in writing, for registration, including certificate and seal, a fee of $10 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature; (6) for administering an oath or affirmation with certificate and seal, a fee of $10; (7) for a certificate under seal not otherwise provided for, a fee of $10; (8) for a copy of a record or paper in the notary public’s office, a fee of $1 for each page; (9) for taking the deposition of a witness, $1 for each 100 words; (10) for swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate, seal, and other business connected with taking the deposition, a fee of $10; and (11) for a notarial act not provided for, a fee of $10. (b) A notary public may charge a fee only for an acknowledgment or official act under Subsection(a). The fee charged may not exceed the fee authorized by Subsection (a), as adjusted under Subsection (c). (c) Once every five years, the secretary of state shall adjust the fees provided under Subsection (a) by the amount that results from applying the inflation rate, as determined by the comptroller on the basis of the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, to the current fee amounts. Sec. 406.111. FEES FOR ONLINE NOTARIZATION. An online notary public or the online notary public’s employer may charge a fee in an amount not to exceed $25 for performing an online notarization in addition to any other fees authorized under Section 406.024. Legal Disclaimer:
Section 603.008 of the Government Code requires a Notary Public to keep posted the fees that a notary is authorized by law to charge. Tex. Gov't. Code Ann. § 406.024 sets out the maximum fees a Texas Notary Public may charge for notary public services. I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN TEXAS AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE. Refund & Payment Policy: You agree to these conditions and fees payable for services by scheduling an appointment with South Texas Notary, LLC. Payment is due once you schedule an appointment. Invoices, receipts, and reminders are automated to send confirmations to your email. Email confirmations do allow you to reschedule your appointment. Online notarization fees & mobile travel fees are due even if the notary cannot complete the notarization for any reason. These fees are non-refundable. We dedicate our time, efforts, and preparations for your appointment. Last-minute cancellations use up valuable time that another client could have used. Notary seal fees ARE refundable. You may request a refund consideration in writing to rick@southtexasnotary.com. Notaries in Texas have specific legislatively mandated guidelines that all notaries must take seriously. These laws relate to two particular topics. The first is how a notary is allowed to use the title of Notary Public. The second topic relates to how a notary can work with immigration documents.
Notaries in Texas are prohibited from using the terms "Notario Publico." Gov't Code 406.017(a)(4) Classifies as a Class A [state] misdemeanor the offense of a person using the phrase notario or notario publico to advertise the services of a Notary; or the offense of advertising services in a language other than English if the person doesn't post the written notice, as specified. Clarifies that an individual does not violate these provisions by offering or providing language translation or typing services and accepting compensation. A Notario Publico carries a much different meaning and purpose than the English term Notary Public. For example, in Mexico, a Notario Publico is considered a legal professional and an attorney at law in some regards. Most seasoned notaries in Texas know that it is also forbidden to offer any legal advice unless the notary is also a licensed attorney. For this reason, we are unable to recommend which certificates you should use on a document. Always consult with a licensed attorney if you have questions about your paper's legality and wording. Another section of Texas law addresses a notary's role concerning immigration documents. Aside from restating that the use of Notario Publico is prohibited, this section also includes a policy that restricts a notary's position within the context of an immigration consultant. Texas prohibits a notary from advertising any expertise in immigration matters. 1 TAC 87.11(a)(5), (a)(14), (a)(15) Classifies as "good cause" for the purpose of revocation of a Notary's commission a Notary using the term notario or notario public in advertising or offering the services of a Notary, advertising and holding out in any manner that the notary is an immigration specialist or consultant, or any other title or description reflecting expertise in immigration matters, and using false or misleading advertising of either an oral or written nature, whereby the notary has represented or indicated that he or she has duties, rights, powers, or privileges that are not possessed by law. A Texas Notary is allowed to provide translation services for compensation, but they cannot operate in any way that would be considered the practice of law. A notary cannot advertise or indicate that they are immigration specialists. Some specialized attorneys can provide legal advice on topics of immigration. If you have questions, contact your licensed attorney for advice. Yes, you can have your documents notarized online. A Texas Notary is required by state law to carry an additional notary commission from the Secretary of State to perform online notarizations. There are also legal requirements for an online notary session to be audio and video recorded. Signers must pass an identity verification process, KBA, or knowledge-based authentication. A third party must provide KBA, which presents you with questions about your historical details that only you would know the answer to.
You must still provide a valid government-issued form of identification, just like when signing in person. Your ID should not be expired. The name listed on the ID should also match the name on your documents. Your address should also be current. You can choose to use a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile phone. A good internet connection ensures a smooth and seamless connection. Your signature will also be digital. After the session, your notarized documents will be available to you in a digital format. You can choose to print or email your copy. In the true sense of the word, a Notary Public is "a public servant" and "an officer of the State of Texas," conveniently located in the community so that the notary may be of service to the public. Each Notary Public takes an official oath of office to perform the duties faithfully in their capacity. The Texas Secretary of State is charged with issuing commissions to notaries. This state agency also maintains statewide notarial guidelines, protocols, and databases that a notary must comply with.
A notary is unbiased and impartial. They will verify an individual's identity using various verification processes. Notaries also ensure that a signer chooses to sign willingly and without coercion. Notaries validate the legality of a signature on legal documents. Some notaries are also Notary Signing Agents. NSA's perform notarial acts on mortgage and title documents, usually when a borrower or seller is closing on a property. Source Reference: Texas Secretary of State. Online. |