To become a Notary Public in Texas, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Take the mandatory training course.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Submit the application through the Texas Secretary of State Portal.
- Download 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 $170.28 - $195.28, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Training course fee |
$21.71 ($20 course fee + Texas.gov fee) |
| Application fee |
$21.57 ($21 application fee + 2.7% service fee) |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Fee schedule |
$17 |
| Total Cost |
$170.28 - $195.28 |
Get your state-required Notary supplies for a Texas Notary commission with the NNA.
Commission Processing Time
After you submit your application, you should receive an email from the Secretary of State’s office with instructions for downloading your commission certificate from the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) Portal.
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
The Secretary of State’s office runs background checks on all applicants for a Notary Public commission.
An escrow agent residing in a state adjacent to Texas may qualify as a Texas Notary without meeting the residency requirement.
Notary Training Course
To obtain or renew a Notary Public commission in Texas, applicants must first pay a fee to the Secretary of State and then complete a mandatory training course in the Texas SOS portal within 90 days.
Exam
Applicants must complete the Notary Education Assessment at the end of the course, correctly answering 70% of the questions within 30 minutes to receive a proof of course completion.
Application
After successfully passing the Education Assessment, complete and submit your application through the Texas SOS Portal along with proof of your bond and the required application fee.
For more information about submitting your Texas Notary application, visit the SOS website.
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
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
How can I minimize my liability?
Since a surety bond provides protection for the public but does not protect the Notary, many Notaries choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Texas.
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 for most notarial acts. 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 within 10 days of the change by logging into the Texas SOS Portal and selecting the Manage Commission option from the Notary homepage.
You are not required to change the name on your commission, but the Secretary of State recommends it. To change your name, 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 through the Texas SOS Portal.
Upon approval, you'll receive an amended commission. You'll then 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, successfully complete the Secretary of State's mandatory continuing education course, and submit an application for renewal of your commission through the Texas SOS Portal. 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 notarize electronic documents for signers who appear in the Notary’s physical presence.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Texas?
Back to Top
Last updated: January 1, 2026