| A notary public is a public service position selected by | | | | - Clerical supplies: different stamps, record books, |
| state government officials. Their chief role is to that of | | | | handbooks (outlining state guidelines for notaries) and |
| an impartial witness to the signing of various legal | | | | embossing seals are available for notaries for use in |
| documents, thus serving as a fraud deterrent. | | | | notarizing various legal documents. |
| Once an individual is selected, there are various notary | | | | State laws governing notaries are variable, so in order |
| public supplies he or she may be required to purchase | | | | to obtain the proper insurance, bonds or supplies, |
| in order to begin fulfilling their duties. There are many | | | | individuals should contact a local office that services |
| local agencies within one's state where a notary can | | | | notaries for up-to-date information. |
| download renewal applications or purchase supplies. In | | | | In addition to the supplies available, most agencies |
| addition, organizations such as the United States | | | | provide information regarding requirements, and the |
| Notary Association offer comprehensive information | | | | application or renewal process for notary publics. J.P. |
| and services for notary publics in all fifty states as well | | | | Everhart and Co. provides this information for notaries |
| as the District of Columbia. | | | | residing in Texas. According to their website, which is |
| For notary public located in the state of Texas, J.P. | | | | located at those seeking appointment as a notary |
| Everhart and Co. offers a full line of supplies and | | | | public must submit their application with the Secretary |
| services, including access to applications and | | | | of State, and must meet three criteria: |
| information regarding how to qualify as a notary public | | | | - Must be at least 18 years of age. |
| in the state of Texas. | | | | - Must be a legal resident of the state of Texas. |
| Some of the notary public supplies and services | | | | - Must be a citizen of the United States or a |
| offered by J.P. Everhart and Co. include: | | | | permanent resident alien. |
| - Notary Bonds: state law may require these before | | | | Other requirements in Texas include the furnishing of a |
| one begins practicing as a notary public. | | | | $10,000 bond, paying of the required fee and taking an |
| - State filing fee processing. | | | | oath of office. Requirements may differ from state to |
| - Errors and omission insurance: this protects a notary | | | | state; therefore individuals should contact a local notary |
| from financial liability in the case of a mistake while | | | | public service location for the most relevant |
| performing notarization duties. | | | | information. |