Acknowledgements: This is the most common. The notary certifies that a person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they signed the document voluntarily. This is crucial for property deeds, powers of attorney, contracts, etc.
Oaths and Affirmations: The notary administers an oath (if religious) or an affirmation (without religious reference) where the signer swears that the information in a document is true. This is widely used in affidavits and depositions.
Protests of Instruments: This is less common nowadays, but it refers to the formality of proving the non-payment or non-acceptance of a negotiable instrument (like a check or bill of exchange).
Certifying Copies of Documents Not Recordable in Public Records: A notary can certify that a copy of a document (that cannot be officially recorded, like a driver’s license or a diploma) is a true copy of the original. Important: They cannot certify copies of vital documents like birth or marriage certificates; those are handled by the issuing offices.
Depositions: A notary can preside over the taking of sworn statements from witnesses outside of court.
Common Documents a Texas Notary Helps Notarize:
While the services are as listed above, in practice, they apply to a wide variety of documents:
- Real Estate Documents: Deeds, Mortgages, Deeds of Trust.
- Powers of Attorney: General, special, durable, healthcare.
- Wills and Estate Planning Documents: While a notary doesn’t draft wills, they do notarize them.
- Affidavits: Documents where someone declares something under oath.
- Agreements and Contracts: Various types of legal and commercial agreements.
- Business Documents: Articles of Incorporation, meeting minutes.
- Financial Documents: Related to loans or investments.
- Minor Travel Consents: If a minor is traveling without both parents.
- Vehicle Title Transfers: Notarization is required in some cases.
- I-9 Forms: For employment verification (although not a notarization itself, many notaries offer this service as an authorized agent).
Additional Services a Notary Might Offer (Beyond Basic Notarial Duties):
Loan Signing Agent (LSA / NSA): This is a specialization for handling and notarizing mortgage and loan closing document packages. It requires additional training and certifications.
Mobile Notary Service: They travel to the client’s location (home, office, hospital).