Texas HB3704 creates a criminal offense for notaries who knowingly notarize documents for individuals not physically present and mandates education.

Texas HB3704 amends the Texas Government Code to establish a criminal offense for notaries who knowingly perform notarizations for individuals not physically present. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a state jail felony if the document involves real property. The bill also mandates education requirements for notary appointments and reappointments, with a maximum of two hours of education allowed. Notaries must retain records for 10 years. The changes apply to applications submitted after January 1, 2026.

Texas HB3704 creates a criminal offense for notaries who knowingly notarize documents for individuals not physically present and mandates education.

Texas HB3704 amends the Texas Government Code to establish a criminal offense for notaries who knowingly perform notarizations for individuals not physically present. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a state jail felony if the document involves real property. The bill also mandates education requirements for notary appointments and reappointments, with a maximum of two hours of education allowed. Notaries must retain records for 10 years. The changes apply to applications submitted after January 1, 2026.