Sec. 406.016. AUTHORITY. (a) A notary public has the same authority as the county clerk to:
(1) take acknowledgments or proofs of written instruments;
(2) protest instruments permitted by law to be protested;
(3) administer oaths;
(4) take depositions; and
(5) certify copies of documents not recordable in the public records.
(b) A notary public shall sign an instrument in Subsection (a) in the name under which the notary public is commissioned.
(c) A notary public may not issue an identification card.
(d) A notary public not licensed to practice law in this state may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 147, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.