What to Do With Your Old Notary Books: A Texas-Sized Conundrum
So, you've been a notary for longer than you can remember. Your commission has expired, your seal is gathering dust, and you're staring at a stack of old notary books, wondering if they're worth more as kindling or a time capsule. Fear not, fellow notary veteran! We're here to shed some light on this age-old question.
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| What Do You Do With Old Notary Books In Texas |
The Law Says What?
Let's get the boring legal stuff out of the way first. In Texas, you're legally obligated to keep your notary records for at least the term of your commission or three years after the notarization date, whichever is longer. So, if you notarized a document in 2019 and your commission expired in 2022, you need to keep those records until at least 2022.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
But let's be honest, who wants to hoard paperwork forever? We're not talking about family heirlooms here, folks. These are just records of people signing their names.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Creative Uses for Old Notary Books (Maybe)
Okay, now for the fun part. While we can't guarantee these will make you rich or famous, they might just add a touch of whimsy to your life:
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
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- Time Capsule: Bury that bad boy in your backyard with a note to future generations. Who knows, maybe they'll find it and think you were a secret agent.
- Art Project: Channel your inner Picasso and turn those pages into a masterpiece. You never know, you might be the next Bob Ross of notary books.
- Fire Starter: If all else fails, they can always keep you warm on a cold night. Just kidding, don't burn important documents.
- Weight Loss Tool: Carry those books around with you all day. It's a workout and a way to procrastinate at the same time.
The Safe and Sane Option
If none of these options appeal to you (and let's face it, they probably don't), the safest bet is to shred those books. This way, you're protecting yourself from identity theft and ensuring that no one can misuse your notary information.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Important Note: Before you do anything drastic, double-check the specific requirements for your county or state. There might be additional rules or regulations you need to follow.
How To...
- How to determine how long to keep your notary records: Check the term of your commission and the date of the last notarization. Keep the records for the longer of the two.
- How to safely dispose of old notary books: Shred them into tiny pieces to prevent identity theft.
- How to find out if there are specific disposal requirements in your area: Contact your local county clerk or secretary of state's office.
- How to resist the urge to use your old notary seal as a paperweight: Find a less tempting hiding spot.
- How to make peace with the fact that your notary days are over: Embrace new adventures and hobbies!
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