Whether your finalising a business transaction or drafting a legal document, finding the right notary public can make all the difference. In this blog, we will explore what notary public actually does, how it may benefit you, and how to find a nearby notary if you’re a Texas resident.
Table of Contents
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official serving as an impartial witness in the signing of important or, in most cases, legal documents. Their primary role is to provide identity verification, prevent fraud, and ensure all parties are on the same page regarding the document that needs to be signed and approved.
The most common circumstances where you might need a notary are:
Real Estate Transactions: Buying or selling of a property often requires notarized documents.
Legal Documents: Contracts such as wills and powers of attorney typically need to be notarized.
Affidavits: In the event of submitting a sworn statement, a notary can assist with that as well.
Why Choose a Mobile Notary?
Imagine needing a notarized document as of yesterday but being too busy to visit a notary’s office. In this scenario, a mobile notary can come to you, saving you time and inconvenience.
- Mobile notaries operate around the clock, available in the evenings and weekends, which makes it easier to schedule.
- No need to wait in a queue; they can come directly to your preferred location, whether its home, office, or a public space.
- This is an ideal situation for people with busy schedules or any mobility issues.
How to Find Notary Public Near Me
Searching for a notary public near me is the best option, yet here are some tips to enhance your search.
Online Directories: Websites like NotaryRotary and 123Notary list mobile notaries by state and city, making it convenient to find someone nearby.
Google Maps: Simply searching for “Notary Services Near Me” on G-Maps will provide you a list of notary services along with the contact information as well as their reviews.
Local Listings: You can also find information from community bulletin boards, libraries, or the local government chamber of commerce.
Notary Public Availability and Hours
Not all notaries follow the same schedule, so their opening and closing office times may vary. That is why finding a “Notary Public Open Now.” beforehand is equally important. Here’s how you can ensure to find the available one according to your required service.
- Always call one day prior to confirm the availability before your visit.
- Regularly check their website to confirm their operating hours
- Some notaries are also active on social media, so you can find updates their as well as contact them.
Notary Services Near Me
It’s important to understand the typical services a notary public provides beforehand. Most common services include:
- Certified copies
- Jurats and Sowrn statements
- Acknowledgements
- Oaths and Affirmations
Cost of Notary Services in Texas
In Texas, the notary public fees are generally controlled by the state, with standard fees depending on the services. The minimum fee for a notarized act is $6. However, mobile notaries may charge extra for travel, depending on the distance from their office to the recipient’s location. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you might incur at a notary:
Standard Fees: $6
Travel fees: From $25 to $50 based on the distance allocated.
Additional Fees: For after-hours appointments or in case of any additional services, some notaires might charge extra fees.
Summary
A notary public is a proven individual appointed by the Secretary of State into a four-year term who serves as an impartial witness on signing important documents. Most business deals and legal agreements are deemed void if they do not have an authenticated and approved notary seal and signature. Many notary services do not have a minimum order policy, which means you can get as many documents authorized as you need; however, the basic fee they charge is starting at $6.
So, don’t wait until the last minute; use all the research you can get, including the websites mentioned above, and get a hassle-free notary service readily available. Remember, it’s all just one click away.
FAQs
What type of identification is required in order to get a notary service?
All you need is a government-issued picture ID, such as your driver’s license or passport.
Do I need to sign the documents before the notary?
Yes, you must sign the documents in front of a notary officer.
Can a notary refuse to sign my documents?
Yes, a notary can refuse service if they suspect fraud or wrongful conduct from the signer, making them incompetent.
Does Texas allow online notaries?
In order for a Texas notary public to perform an online authorization, the notary must be physically located within the boundaries of Texas at the time of notarization. However, the signing party may be located anywhere else.
