Texas Notary Public Recordbook Requirements: As a notary public in the state of Texas, you are probably aware that you are required to keep a recordbook of all notarial acts performed through the duration of your commission. But how much do you know...
Texas Notary Public Recordbook Requirements:
As a notary public in the state of Texas, you are probably aware that you are required to keep a recordbook of all notarial acts performed through the duration of your commission. But how much do you know about what is required to be included in your recordbook?
Let’s Start with the Inside Cover/Front Page
The inside cover of your recordbook is required to have the following information listed:
Your commissioned name
Your notary commission/state ID
The term of your commission (including its expiration date)
Your residence or mailing address/business street
The meanings of any abbreviated words or symbols used in your recordbook
Your official notary signature
The dates of the first and last notarial act recorded in the book
What Information is Required in Every Notary Public Recordbook Entry?
It’s all about the details. Remember, your recordbook is required in order to protect you as the notary, as well as the public, but it can only do so if the right information is included. So, what exactly is required per entry?
Every entry in a Texas Notary Public Recordbook is required to contain:
The date of the document being signed
The date the notarization occurred
Brief description of the document
The name of the signer (or person who’s signature or mark you are notarizing)
The address of the signer
The type of ID presented for identification purposes
If a credible witness is utilized, you must include the name and residence of the witness
You are required to note the type of ID presented (driver’s license, passport, etc.). You are prohibited, however, from recording any serial numbers from the ID that can lead to identity theft of the signer.
If a subscribing witness is used, the name and address of the witness must be included
The name and residence of a grantee, if applicable
If land is conveyed in the document, then the name of the original grantee and the county the land is located in must also be included
Any fees charged for the notarial act or other services, IF a separate fee book of records is not already maintained
What Else Might You Need to Know?
Though not required, we do have a few tips for protecting yourself, your commission, and the credibility of your recordbook:
Write legibly in INK
If a mistake is made, cross it out. Do not use correction fluid
If possible, obtain the original ink signature of the signer (this is VERY important if the authenticity of the notarization is ever called into question)
Record the type of notarial act performed (jurat, affirmation, etc), along with a brief description of the signer’s demeanor and appearance
ALWAYS note any special or unique circumstances of a notarization
If a signer asks you to notarize multiple documents, complete separate entries for all documents and include a note regarding the connectedness between the notarial acts
Do not share or leave your recordbook in a public area
Texas notaries are not required or authorized to obtain fingerprints, so do not do so, even if there is a space in your recordbook for one
*NOTE: We currently offer a Texas Notary Public Recordbook that meets all state requirements and has room for all pertinent information. If you are interested in a notary package that includes a recordbook, whether you are becoming a notary or are renewing your commission, we have you covered.
