Texas Notary Public: Prohibited Acts and Compliance
Guidelines 2026 With Complete Solutions
Overview of Notary Public Responsibilities
Introduction to Notary Public
• The role of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of
documents, ensuring the identity of signers and the integrity of the documents.
• Notaries are governed by state laws, specifically the Texas Government Code, which
outlines their duties and limitations.
• The Texas Secretary of State's office provides educational materials to inform notaries of
their responsibilities and prohibited acts.
Importance of Compliance
• Engaging in prohibited acts can lead to disciplinary actions, including criminal
prosecution and civil liability under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
• Notaries must adhere to the guidelines to maintain their commission and avoid legal
repercussions.
• The Secretary of State's office has the authority to revoke or suspend a notary's
commission for violations.
Prohibited Acts for Notaries
Unauthorized Practice of Law
• Notaries who are not licensed attorneys cannot engage in activities that constitute the
practice of law, such as preparing or advising on legal documents.
• Per Texas Government Code 406.014, notaries must only complete notarial certificates
that are already present on documents or those chosen by the signer.
• Notaries should not select or attach a notarial certificate unless it is for a certified copy
of a document.
Misrepresentation and Advertising
• Notaries are prohibited from using the term 'notario' or 'notario publico' in advertising,
as it may mislead individuals into thinking they have legal training.
Guidelines 2026 With Complete Solutions
Overview of Notary Public Responsibilities
Introduction to Notary Public
• The role of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of
documents, ensuring the identity of signers and the integrity of the documents.
• Notaries are governed by state laws, specifically the Texas Government Code, which
outlines their duties and limitations.
• The Texas Secretary of State's office provides educational materials to inform notaries of
their responsibilities and prohibited acts.
Importance of Compliance
• Engaging in prohibited acts can lead to disciplinary actions, including criminal
prosecution and civil liability under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
• Notaries must adhere to the guidelines to maintain their commission and avoid legal
repercussions.
• The Secretary of State's office has the authority to revoke or suspend a notary's
commission for violations.
Prohibited Acts for Notaries
Unauthorized Practice of Law
• Notaries who are not licensed attorneys cannot engage in activities that constitute the
practice of law, such as preparing or advising on legal documents.
• Per Texas Government Code 406.014, notaries must only complete notarial certificates
that are already present on documents or those chosen by the signer.
• Notaries should not select or attach a notarial certificate unless it is for a certified copy
of a document.
Misrepresentation and Advertising
• Notaries are prohibited from using the term 'notario' or 'notario publico' in advertising,
as it may mislead individuals into thinking they have legal training.
