Get your webcams ready, Texas notary publics! The state’s Governor, Greg Abbot, is shelving a statute on notary public appearances concerning real-estate instruments like mortgages, allowing notary publics to appear via videoconference when executing real-estate documents. This novel provision helps notaries abide by the social-distancing guidelines enforced during the pandemic while performing their routine duties.
“Texas is providing flexibility in the notarization process by way of this temporary suspension to ensure Texans can continue to stay home as much as possible to keep themselves and others safe,” exclaimed Governor Abbott. “Allowing for appearance before a notary public via videoconference will aid in our continued efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.”
Per the order, notaries must use two-way audio-video communication technology that lets direct and contemporaneous interaction between the person signing the document and the notary public. What’s more, the notary public must verify the identity of the signatory at the time the signature is taken by utilizing the two-way audio-video communication technology. For more information on this, please consult this source.
A notary public is a person of integrity responsible for being an impartial witness in performing a multitude of official fraud-deterrent acts that operating to signing essential documents. Notary publics are usually required to obtain a notary bond if the state the person is applying in lists a surety bond as a requirement of becoming a notary.
If you plan on becoming a notary public in Texas or anywhere in the country, we have an easy way to secure your notary bond. Colonial Surety Company is a leading provider of notary bonds. Our I-Bonds®, or instant surety bonds, are available for instant quote, purchase, print or e-file. We offer a direct and digital way to obtain a one. Get a notary bond quote online, fill out your information, and enter your payment method. It’s that easy! Click here to obtain your notary bond today.