English
SpanishFor a lot of transactions that are central to our lives, business-related or otherwise, the processes of documentation and signing are important components. The purpose of a signature is to verify the identity of the person who signs a document, in turn, binding said person to the terms and conditions of that document.
Given how easy it is to forge a signature, it’s easy to come across deceit and identity theft, which could be extremely detrimental, especially in the case of high-security documents involving legal contracts or property transactions. To reduce the risk of such a thing from happening, a professional called a notary helps authenticate signatures in a safe environment.
Considering how much paperwork happens on a daily basis across many businesses and other sectors, a notary public is always in high demand. If you’re contemplating becoming a notary but are still uncertain whether it’s the right decision to make, here are a few benefits associated with the profession:
Financial Incentive: A notary public is a civil servant who, on top of their main job, is eligible to perform notarization work. So, in addition to their main source of income, they’re also able to generate extra money via authenticating people’s documents. In Texas, a notary can charge up to $6 per notarial act.
Enhances Your Resume: Since notaries are in high demand across many industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and more, the ability to notarize documents will look good on your resume. Having a skill set that’s high in desirability will always boost your worth as an employee.
Community Benefits: You’re able to give back to your community with your notarization work. Many people are in need of notarization services but are unable to pay for them. By lowering the fee, you are not only able to help people but can also better network yourself and your services.
Eligibility
If you’re looking to become a notary, you’ll need to first check if you meet the requirements. The state of Texas lays out the following criteria to be eligible to become a notary public:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a resident of Texas
- Have no criminal history
What is the Process to Become a Notary?
In Texas, you’re not required to undergo any training or give an exam, so you’re able to directly start your application. You can obtain an application form from the Texas Secretary of State. Before you fill out your form, make sure to acquire a surety bond for $10,000 via an insurance agency in Texas. Once you’ve filled the form to your satisfaction, you can submit it along with the application processing fee. After you’ve been approved to work as a notary, you can purchase a notary stamp and record book in order to perform your duties.
If you want to get a document notarized, contact us at Freedom Libertad in San Angelo, Texas, and we’ll connect you with a notary to complete the authentication process. Some of our additional services include bail bonds, and jail record and warrant searches.