Key Takeaways
- The Secretary of State can revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a commission
- SB693 expanded "good cause" grounds for disciplinary action
- Complaints can be filed by any member of the public
- Notaries have a right to a hearing before revocation
- Revoked notaries cannot reapply for a specified period
Last updated: January 2026
Disciplinary Actions and Consequences
The Texas Secretary of State has authority to discipline notaries who violate laws or fail to meet standards.
Types of Disciplinary Action
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Revocation | Commission permanently terminated |
| Suspension | Commission temporarily inactive |
| Refusal to Renew | Cannot get new commission |
| Warning | Formal notice of violation |
| Requirement to Correct | Fix identified problems |
Grounds for Discipline
Traditional grounds:
| Ground | Example |
|---|---|
| Violation of notary law | Any Texas notary statute |
| Fraud or dishonesty | Falsifying certificates |
| Official misconduct | Abuse of office |
| Giving legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Conflict of interest | Self-dealing |
SB693 Expanded Grounds
Senate Bill 693 added new grounds for "good cause":
| New Ground | Details |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain records | Journal not kept |
| Failure to maintain for 10 years | Early destruction |
| Notarizing without appearance | Criminal offense too |
| Using "notario" title | Implying legal authority |
The Complaint Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complaint filed with SOS |
| 2 | Investigation begins |
| 3 | Notary notified |
| 4 | Evidence gathered |
| 5 | Determination made |
| 6 | Hearing if requested |
| 7 | Final decision |
Due Process Rights
Before revocation, notaries have rights:
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Notice | Written notice of charges |
| Hearing | Opportunity to be heard |
| Evidence | Present your case |
| Representation | May have attorney |
| Appeal | Challenge the decision |
Consequences of Revocation
| Consequence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cannot notarize | Immediately |
| Must surrender seal | Destroy or return |
| Must provide records | If requested |
| Cannot reapply | For specified period |
| Public record | May affect employment |
Criminal vs. Administrative Penalties
| Type | Who Imposes | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Courts | Jail, fines |
| Administrative | SOS | Revocation, suspension |
| Civil | Courts | Money damages |
Preventing Disciplinary Problems
| Best Practice | Why |
|---|---|
| Know the law | Avoid violations |
| Keep good records | Prove compliance |
| Verify ID carefully | Prevent fraud |
| Stay within your role | No legal advice |
| Report changes | Address, name |
On the Exam
Disciplinary questions focus on:
- Who disciplines: Secretary of State
- SB693 grounds: Records, appearance violations
- Due process: Right to hearing
- Consequences: Cannot reapply immediately
Test Your Knowledge
Who has the authority to revoke a Texas notary commission?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Under SB693, which of the following is NOW grounds for commission revocation?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Does a Texas notary have the right to a hearing before their commission is revoked?
A
B
C
D
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