Key Takeaways
- Notaries must remain impartial in all transactions
- Cannot advocate for or against any party in a transaction
- Must not perform notarial acts outside your commission area (Texas)
- Should maintain confidentiality of signer information
- Must not discriminate based on protected characteristics
Last updated: January 2026
Notary Ethics and Standards of Conduct
As a Texas notary public, you are a state-commissioned public servant entrusted with protecting the public from fraud. Your ethical conduct is essential to maintaining public trust.
Core Ethical Principles
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Impartiality | Neutral in all transactions |
| Integrity | Honest in all dealings |
| Confidentiality | Protect signer information |
| Competence | Know your duties and limits |
| Diligence | Careful in every notarization |
Impartiality
You must remain a neutral third party:
| Requirement | Why |
|---|---|
| No advocacy | You're not a representative |
| No bias | Equal treatment for all |
| No interest | Cannot benefit from transaction |
| No coaching | Don't advise on document content |
Conflicts of Interest
You CANNOT notarize documents where:
| Conflict Type | Example |
|---|---|
| You are a party | You sign the document |
| Financial interest | You benefit from the deal |
| Named beneficiary | You inherit property |
| Close relationship | Spouse, parent, child |
Confidentiality
Protect information you learn:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep journal secure | Share signer information |
| Protect ID copies | Leave records unsecured |
| Limit access to records | Gossip about signings |
| Destroy records properly | Discard without shredding |
Non-Discrimination
You cannot refuse service based on:
| Protected Characteristic |
|---|
| Race or color |
| Religion |
| National origin |
| Sex or gender |
| Age (adult signers) |
| Disability |
When You CAN Refuse
Legitimate reasons to refuse:
| Reason | Acceptable? |
|---|---|
| Cannot verify identity | YES |
| Signer appears impaired | YES |
| Document incomplete | YES |
| Signer under duress | YES |
| Not willing to pay fee | YES |
| Don't like the document | NO |
| Personal disagreement | NO |
Professional Standards
| Standard | Practice |
|---|---|
| Dress appropriately | Especially for mobile work |
| Arrive on time | Respect appointments |
| Be prepared | Have supplies ready |
| Communicate clearly | Explain your role |
| Keep learning | Stay current on laws |
On the Exam
Ethics questions focus on:
- Impartiality: Remain neutral
- Conflicts: Cannot notarize if interested
- Confidentiality: Protect signer information
- Discrimination: Cannot refuse protected groups
Test Your Knowledge
A Texas notary's friend asks them to notarize a document where the notary would receive a benefit. Should the notary proceed?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is a legitimate reason to refuse notarization in Texas?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What should a Texas notary do if they suspect a signer is being forced to sign a document?
A
B
C
D