Authorized Notarial Acts Flashcards

Which of the following is a notarial act authorized under Texas Government Code Chapter 406?

Answer: Taking an acknowledgment

Taking an acknowledgment is one of the core notarial acts authorized by Texas Government Code Chapter 406.

What is a jurat as performed by a Texas notary?

Answer: A certificate confirming that a signer swore or affirmed to the truthfulness of a written statement

A jurat is a notarial certificate indicating that the signer appeared before the notary, was duly sworn or affirmed, and that the contents of the document are true.

Can a Texas notary certify a copy of a birth certificate?

Answer: No, vital records like birth certificates may only be certified by the issuing agency

Certified copies of vital records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates) must be obtained from the issuing government agency, not from a private notary.

What is an acknowledgment in the context of Texas notarial acts?

Answer: A declaration by the signer, before the notary, that the signer executed the document as their free act and deed

An acknowledgment is the signer's declaration to the notary that they signed the document voluntarily and as their own act, after the notary verifies the signer's identity.

Which notarial act requires the signer to be physically present AND sign the document in the notary's presence?

Answer: Jurat

A jurat requires the signer to physically appear before the notary, sign the document in the notary's presence, and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of its contents.

Which of the following can a Texas notary NOT do, even though they are commissioned?

Answer: Provide legal advice on a document they are asked to notarize

Providing legal advice constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and is prohibited even if the person providing advice happens to be a notary.