To become a Notary Public in Texas, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete the application.
- Receive your commission certificate.
- Take your oath of office.
- Buy your Notary seal, journal and fee schedule.
About the Texas Notary Process
Your Texas Notary commission lasts for four years. Find more information about the Notary Public application process below.
Cost to Become a Texas Notary
The cost of becoming a Notary in Texas ranges between $148 - $173, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Application filing fee |
$21 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Fee schedule |
$17 |
| Total Cost |
$148 - $173 |
Commission Processing Time
After submitting your application, you should receive your commission certificate from the state in approximately two weeks if you emailed it and approximately 30 days if you mailed it.
To prevent any delays, use our free application wizard to avoid errors.
Texas Notary Public Requirements
Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Lone Star State? Read on below.
Eligibility
There are three basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Texas:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of the state of Texas
- Not be convicted of a felony or a crime that involves moral turpitude that has not been dismissed or discharged by law
Escrow agents who are residents of a state adjacent to Texas may qualify as Texas Notaries without meeting the residency requirement.
Application
Complete and submit the application along with proof of your bond and the filing fee to the state.
Pro Tip: The NNA offers a free application wizard that guides you through the form.
Once you receive your commission certificate, bring it to a Texas Notary who will administer the oath and notarize the form (Tex. Gov't Code, Sec. 406.010(d)). Remember to keep your commission certificate.
Notary Supplies
Notaries are required to use an official Notary seal and a journal. They must also post a fee schedule.
Your Notary seal may be an inked stamp or embosser in either a circular shape no larger than 2" in diameter or in a rectangular shape no larger than 1" x 2.5". Within a milled-edge or serrated border, the seal must surround the following information:
- The words "Notary Public, State of Texas" (around the five-pointed star)
- A star of five points
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your Notary ID number
- Your commission expiration date
Maintaining Your Texas Notary Journal
Your journal must be kept safe and secure for your entire commission or for three years after the last notarization, whichever is longer (1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.44).
Texas considers it a best practice to permanently maintain and safeguard copies of the records. You may not record any identification number, driver’s license, Social Security card or passport numbers, or biometrics like thumbprints in your journal (1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.40).
Surety Bond
Texas Notary applicants are required by law to buy a $10,000 surety bond from a company authorized to do business in the state.
The bond must be approved by the Secretary of State, payable to the Governor and conditioned to provide reimbursement to any person damaged by the Notary's improper performance of official duties (Texas Gov't Code, Sec. 406.010).
Notaries who primarily perform notarizations as officers or employees of state agencies do not need a bond.
Texas Notary Public FAQs
Here, you'll find general information about being a Texas Notary Public.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Secretary of State, located in Austin, TX, issues Notary Public commissions.
Notary Public Unit
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13375
Austin, Texas 78711-3375
Is training required to become a TX Notary?
Training is not required for Texas Notaries but the Secretary of State does provide educational materials and a training video online.
The NNA also offers an interactive online course that provides new Notaries with the how-to knowledge needed to perform common notarial acts.
Do I need to take a Texas Notary exam?
No, passing an exam is not required to become a Notary in Texas.
How can I minimize my liability?
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Texas.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone who presents acceptable identification, excluding yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
Texas law doesn't specifically prohibit you from notarizing for a spouse or relative or for a spouse's business. If being a Notary is part of your job, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during work hours.
How much can I charge for notarial acts?
Texas Notaries may charge a maximum of $10, an amount that the Secretary of State intends to review every five years. Notaries may charge fees lower than the maximum amount or no fees at all.
If you charge any fees, you must have a fee schedule to display for customers.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
You must notify the Secretary of State of any changes to your address or name within 10 days of the change by completing the following forms:
For name changes, you'll need to get a rider or endorsement to the bond on file from the surety company specifying the name change. Submit the completed application, rider or endorsement, current certificate of commission, and the $20 filing fee to the Secretary.
As an alternative to your current certificate, you may submit a notarized statement that you will perform all notarial acts under the name specified on the amended commission.
Upon approval, you'll receive an amended commission at which point you'll need to get a new seal bearing your new name.
How do I renew my Notary commission?
To renew your commission, you must maintain your $10,000 surety bond and reapply. You should start the process no earlier than 90 days before your commission expires.
You must buy a new Notary seal to reflect your updated commission expiration date. A new journal is also required if your current one is full.
How do I become a TX electronic Notary?
Any commissioned traditional Notary Public in Texas can perform electronic notarizations as long as the notarization meets all of the requirements of a traditional, paper-based notarization, such as the signer personally appearing before the Notary.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Texas?
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Last updated: Jul 19, 2024