Having a notary bond in Texas is mandatory when applying for notary public position or in civil law disagreeing to perform notary services without filing the bond. This process educates the public as well as lays the legal framework that you are operating within in case of any legal battle. In this article, we’ll outline each of these steps and give you additional information that may prove helpful about notary bonds in Texas.
What is a notary bond and why is it needed in Texas?
Surety bond, specifically notary bond, refers to an insurance that keeps public money secure. It guarantees that anyone who suffers wrong from the mistakes, carelessness, or malfeasance of a notary can seek remedy. This means that in accordance to the law of Texas, notaries must provider a bond of $10,000 in order to protect the interest of the public during their term of commission that is four years.
Applying for a Notary Bond in Texas
Notary bond filing is a complex process, which includes several significant steps. Here’s a breakdown:
Step 1:
You need to fulfill requirements that have been put in place on how to apply for a Notary Public Commission.
The first process of becoming a notary in Texas is to get appointed a notary public commissioner. You can do this through the Texas Secretary of State:
Complete the Application Form:
This can be found on the official page of the Secretary of State. Pay the Application Fee: There is a fee of $21 to do the processing of the transactions. After your application is approved, you should receive your notary commission certificate as a bond filing necessity.
Step 2: Borrow funds to procure a $10,000 Notary Bond
Then, there is a requirement to acquire a notary bond from a specific supplier. Here are some common sources:
Notary Associations:
It is common to find many professional organizations providing bonds to their members as a membership product.
Insurance Agencies:
In the current world, licensed agencies offer surety bonds for notaries.
Bonding Companies:
Multiple suppliers tend to render their services at a lower price while providing extra facilities to the clients. Also make sure that your bond is in the amount and for the term of the $10,000 as your commission.
Step 3: Complete the Bond Form
Upon the purchase of your bond, the bond provider will provide you with bond form. This form includes:
Your name and notary commission number and expiration date.
The bond amount and duration.
Their signature upon you and the bonding agent.
For awareness, run through the form to confirm all details provided are correct before submission.
Step 4: Submit the Bond with the Secretary of State
The bond form has to be filed with the Texas Secretary of State. Include:
The completed bond form.
A notary commission certificate if the person seals and certifies official documents (depending on the notary laws in distinct states).
Payment of any required fees.
Submission Options:
By Mail:
Notary Public Unit
P.O. Box 13375
Austin, TX 78711-3375
In-Person:
1019 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
Other Steps Involved Once You Have Filed Your Bond
Obtain a Notary Seal
Once you’ve filed your bond, you must then buy a notary seal that meets Texas specifications. The seal must include:
The name that you have on your commission at the time of the photograph.
The words “Notary Public, State of Texas”.
When your commission is due to expire.
Maintain a Record Book
According to Texas law, notaries have to keep a record book – which is also known as a journal – on all notarial acts. This makes operations accountable to avoid cases of manipulation of records for own benefit. Record details like:
The type of notary service that has been carried out.
Part introduction and identification of Parties.
The notary public’s date and place of the notarial act.
Common mistakes you should avoid when filing for notary bond
Submitting Incomplete Information: Please make certain that any field of the bond form is properly completed.
Missing Deadlines: Ensure that you file your bond immediately after getting your commission certificate so that in case anything slows you down down you get a chance to deal with it you do not spend so much time with out your bond.
Using an Unauthorized Bond Provider: Make sure that the provider offering surety bonds is authorized to do so in Texas.
Key Information for Notary Bond Filing in Texas
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bond Amount | $10,000 |
| Bond Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $21 |
| Filing Address (Mail) | Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 13375, Austin, TX |
| Required Supplies | Notary seal, record book |
FAQs
What Is the Use of the Legally Required Notary Bond?
A notary bond helps expose a notary to financial liability within the notary services that they have provided due to negligence or malpractice.
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
In general, a notary bond cost varies in price depending with its type and the company one hires it from to provide notary service. The charge usually falls between fifty to hundred dollars and is channelled through the provider.
Can I File My Bond Online?
Currently, Texas does not accept online filing of notary bonds. And it can only be sent through the mail or hand delivered.
What do I do when My Bond is Expiring?
If your bond expires, your notary commission is null and void and you may not perform notarial work until the bond is renewed.
Am I allowed to Switch Bond Providers During My Commission?
Nonetheless, your bond is associated with your notary commission and cannot be transferred or altered at midway.
What Is The Duration For Filing Of Bond?
The process at minimum, takes 7-14 calendar days or more, depending on the processing time of the Secretary of State and the way of filing.
Conclusion:
Laws rules and regulation to be followed as well as maintaining professional standards. The notary bond in Texas is easily completed but is one of the most vital steps of becoming a notary public. So, by following the steps mentioned above, you will be confined to the state laws and set up for your mission to serve the people. After filing bond, make sure you get your notary supplies and maybe know some of the duties of a notary public in Texas. If well prepared, you should be professionally prepared to discharge your duties efficiently when the time comes.
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