1. Physical Presence & Signer ID

• Fact: A notary cannot legally notarize a document if the signer is not physically in front of them. This remains strictly illegal even if the signer is an immediate relative, spouse, or employer. 
• Question: What forms of identification can I accept?
• Answer: If the signer is not personally known to the notary, they must present a valid, unexpired government-issued ID (like a state driver's license) or a U.S. passport. Credit cards or library cards are not acceptable forms of ID. 

2. Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)

• Fact: Unless the notary is also a licensed Texas attorney, they are strictly prohibited from practicing law.
• Question: Can I choose the type of notarial certificate (e.g., Acknowledgment or Jurat) to attach to a document?
• Answer: No. A non-attorney notary must not advise a client on which certificate to use. The signer must choose the type of certificate, or the document itself must already have the specific certificate wording pre-printed. 

3. Eligibility and Commissions

• Question: Who is eligible to become a Texas Notary?
• Answer: Applicants must be Texas residents, at least 18 years old, and have no final convictions for felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude. 
• Fact: Commission applications, exam requirements, and mandatory education courses are completed through the state's official Notary Public Educational Information portal. 

4. Certified Copies & Alterations

• Fact: A notary public cannot certify true copies of documents like public birth certificates or marriage licenses; these must be obtained directly from the vital statistics office or the county clerk.
• Question: Can I make changes to a document or correct a typo before notarizing?
• Answer: No. A notary can only notarize the execution of the instrument; they must never alter, change, or modify the document itself. 

5. Fees and Geographic Reach

• Fact: A traditional Texas notary is commissioned statewide. This means you can perform notarial acts in any county within Texas.
• Question: What are the maximum fees I can charge?
• Answer: The state sets maximum allowable fees for standard notarial acts ( $10 )
• for taking a Single page document for notarization. ie. Consent Forms, QuickClaim Deed, Power of Attorney, Medical Directives. These fee do not include Mobile Service, and or Printing of documents.
• Add'l fees for add'l signers and different fees for Remote online, Loan Packages, Apostle, Adoption,