Important Differences Between Notaries and "Notarios" - by nationalnotary.org

In Hispanic countries, Notarios Publicos are highly trained legal professionals akin to attorneys who provide legal advice and draft legal documents.

In the United States, however, Notaries are state-commissioned officials with narrow witnessing duties and much less discretion. Many unethical individuals exploit the confusion over these different roles to take advantage of unsuspecting immigrants.

For six decades, the National Notary Association has worked to educate Notaries, government officials and the general public about Notario abuse.

The NNA's handout "What Is A Notary Public" explains the lawful role of U.S. Notaries and how it differs from that of Notarios.

Source: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/notaries-and-notarios

What form of identification can I use as proof of identity?

An officer may not take the acknowledgment of a written instrument unless the officer knows or has satisfactory evidence that the acknowledging person is the person who executed the instrument and is described in it. An officer may accept, as satisfactory evidence of the identity of an acknowledging person, only:

(1) the oath of a credible witness personally known to the officer;

(2) a current identification card or other document issued by the federal government or any state government that contains the photograph and signature of the acknowledging person (i.e.: Driver's License, State ID, Military ID, US Passport); or

(3) with respect to a deed or other instrument relating to a residential real estate transaction, a current passport issued by a foreign country.

Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 121

May a notary complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

Texas law does not authorize notaries public to certify an I-9 Form, and the Form itself does not contain a notarial certificate. Therefore, notaries should not notarize an I-9 Form. However, it is permissible for a notary public who is an employee of a business to assist that business in filling out the Form - as long as that work is not performed in the employee's capacity as a notary public, and as long as the employee does not place their notary seal on the document.

Source: Texas Secretary of State