Everything You Might Want to Ask

No. I’m a Texas-commissioned notary public. I can witness signatures and administer oaths, but I cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents. For that, you need a licensed Texas attorney.

Yes, fluently. I conduct signings entirely in Spanish when that’s what a client prefers. The notarial certificate itself must be in English under Texas law, but everything else can be in your language.

Current, unexpired, government-issued photo ID for every signer — driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Expired by even one day and I can’t proceed.

It depends on the document. Some Texas documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. I’ll tell you when we confirm your appointment so you can arrange them.

Texas caps the fee for the notarial act itself. Mobile service includes a travel fee based on distance and time. Call (936) 235-5229 with your details for an exact quote.

Send it over or describe it when you call. If it doesn’t need notarization, I’ll tell you — saving you a trip and a fee.

Depends on your location and my schedule, but often the same day. Katy and West Houston are usually within an hour. Call and I’ll tell you exactly.

Regularly. Hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living. The signer must be alert, understand what they’re signing, and communicate their intent directly to me.

Texas law allows a signature by mark, witnessed properly. Tell me ahead of time so I can prepare the correct certificate and arrange the required witnesses.

Yes. Evenings and weekends by appointment. Notary emergencies don’t respect business hours.

The greater Houston metropolitan area including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Cypress, Friendswood, Missouri City, Spring, and all surrounding communities in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties.

Yes. Texas authorized Remote Online Notarization under Government Code Chapter 406, effective 2018. RON documents carry the same legal force as in-person notarizations and are accepted in most U.S. states.

Yes, though a laptop or desktop tends to work better for document review and identity verification. You need a working camera, a microphone, and a stable connection.

Yes. If you need a Texas notarization and you’re in Madrid, Bogotá, or Manila, a RON session works — just tell me your timezone when scheduling.

Yes. Texas law requires me to record and archive every RON session. The recording is stored securely and exists to protect you if the notarization is ever questioned.

Usually, but not always. Some institutions still require wet ink. Confirm with them before scheduling, and if they say no, I’ll come to you instead.

A certificate issued by the Texas Secretary of State that authenticates the signature and seal on a public document, making it valid in the 120+ countries that signed the Hague Convention of 1961.

Texas Secretary of State processing typically takes 10 to 15 business days, plus preparation and mailing. Budget two to four weeks total. Expedited options exist for urgent deadlines.

No. You need a certified copy issued by Texas Vital Statistics or the county clerk. Hospital certificates and photocopies are rejected. I can tell you exactly how to order the right one.

Then you need consular legalization through that country’s embassy or consulate — a longer, more expensive process. I’ll tell you which one applies before you start.

No. Texas can only apostille Texas-issued documents. A California birth certificate must be apostilled by California’s Secretary of State. I can point you in the right direction.

Yes. Texas Family Code authorizes notaries public, judges, and religious officials to conduct marriage ceremonies. Your ceremony is fully legal and the license is filed properly afterward.

Yes, and you both must appear together at a Texas County Clerk to get it. Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between issuing the license and the ceremony, so plan accordingly.

Completely, or bilingually. I switch between English and Spanish so every guest follows along — vows, readings, and the pronouncement.

A simple civil ceremony runs about ten minutes. A fuller ceremony with readings, vows, and ring exchange usually lands between twenty and thirty. You decide.

I complete it, both witnesses and the couple sign where required, and I return it to the issuing County Clerk within the 30-day legal deadline. The clerk then issues your certified marriage certificate.

Usually within the hour during office hours. If you call after hours, I’ll get back to you first thing the next morning — or immediately if it’s urgent and I’m available.

For mobile and online signings, yes. For the Katy office, walk-ins are welcome during office hours but appointments get priority.

Please do. Email it to LopezNotaryP@gmail.com and I’ll verify the notarial wording is correct before we meet — that alone prevents most delays.

No. Describing your document and getting a quote costs nothing. I’d rather tell you upfront if I’m not the right person for your situation.