What Does A Notary Do?

A notary public is a public officer appointed by the state to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their primary function is to verify the identity of the individuals signing the documents and to ensure that those individuals are willingly and knowingly entering into the agreements contained in the documents. Here are some key things a Texas notary can do for you:

1. Acknowledgments: A notary can acknowledge signatures on various documents, such as contracts, deeds, powers of attorney, and other legal instruments. By acknowledging the signature, the notary confirms that the person signing the document is the person they claim to be.
   
   

2. Administer Oaths and Affirmations: A notary can administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits, depositions, and other sworn statements. By taking an oath or affirmation, the individual commits to the truthfulness of the information in the document.
   
   

3. Certify Copies: Notaries can certify copies of certain documents, meaning they verify that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document.
   
   

4. Jurat: A notary can execute a jurat, which involves administering an oath or affirmation to the person signing the document and then certifying that the document was signed in their presence.
   
   

5. Protest Notes and Bills: In some cases, a notary can handle the formal protest of negotiable instruments like promissory notes and bills of exchange if they are not paid when due.
   
   

6. Vehicle Transfers: In Texas, a notary public can help with certain aspects of transferring ownership of a motor vehicle, such as verifying signatures on the required forms.

Additionally, while notaries play an essential role in preventing fraud and ensuring the validity of documents, they are not responsible for providing legal advice or determining the content or effects of the documents they notarize. If you have legal questions or need advice, it's best to consult with an attorney.