How to Become a Texas Notary

Our easy-to-follow Texas notary guide will show you step by step how to become a notary in Texas.

To become a Texas notary, a notary applicant must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a resident of the state of Texas.
3. Not have received a final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or for a felony.

If you meet the above qualifications, you can apply to become a Texas notary by:

1. Purchasing the four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond, paying the state filing fee, and obtaining your Texas notary public seal and Texas notary record book from a licensed agency.
2. Completing a Texas notary application.
3. Forwarding the Texas notary application to your agency.
4. Waiting for your Texas Notary Public Commission Certificate from the Secretary of State after the application is approved.
5. Having the oath of office on your Texas Notary Public Commission completed by an active notary public.


How can I start the Texas notary application process to become a Texas notary?

To become a Texas notary, please follow the instructions listed on the previous section on "How to Become a Texas Notary". Click here for more information on how to become a Texas notary, and read our Texas law section. More information can found at the Texas Secretary of State's website.

How do I renew my Texas notary commission?

Renewing your Texas notary public commission requires you to take the same steps as a new applicant. Please click here to begin the renewal process.

When can I renew my Texas notary commission?

You can renew your Texas notary public commission up to ninety days before your current commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become a Texas notary?

To become a Texas notary, you must purchase a four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond and pay the state filling fee. The cost of the notary bond is only $50.00, and the state filing fee is $21.00. You can pay for both at the American Association of Notaries' website at https://www.texasnotary.com/how-to-become-a-texas-notary/. You also need a Texas notary public seal and a Texas notary record book (prices vary depending on the notary supplies you select). Please visit https://www.texasnotary.com/stamps.asp for notary stamps and supplies. Your final step in the application process requires you to pay a notarization fee to a notary public to have the oath of office on the Texas Notary Public Commission Certificate completed.

How long does it take to become a Texas notary public?

From the day we receive your correctly completed notary application, it usually takes 10-14 business days for the Texas Secretary of State to approve the application and email you the Texas Notary Public Commission Certificate. If no email address is provided on the notary application, expect it to take a few more business days to receive your commission certificate by mail. The oath of office section on the certificate will need to be completed by an active notary public if you are to be officially considered a Texas notary public.

How long does a Texas notary commission last?

A Texas notary term lasts four years. To verify when your term begins and ends, you'll have to look at the effective and expiration dates of the Texas notary public commission certificate that was issued to you by the Secretary of State. To continue performing notarial acts as a Texas notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your Texas notary public commission.

Where do I pay for the four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond and state filing fee?

The Texas notary bond and state filling fee can be paid for online at https://www.texasnotary.com/how-to-become-a-texas-notary/. The cost for the four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond is $50.00, and the state filing fee is $21.00.

Why do I need a Texas notary bond?

The state of Texas requires all Texas notary applicants to purchase a Texas notary bond to protect the public from any errors and omissions the notary may commit.

Does the Texas notary bond protect me if I get sued?

No. To protect yourself as a Texas notary you need to purchase a Texas errors and omissions (E&O) policy. This policy covers any unintentional errors or omissions made by the notary.

Do I need to purchase a Texas notary errors and omissions (E&O) policy?

The Texas notary errors and omissions insurance policy is optional but highly recommended. It is very affordable and covers you even if a claim is invalid. We offer E&O policies at https://www.texasnotary.com/eo.asp.

Do I need to purchase a Texas notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Texas notary?

When becoming a Texas notary, to perform notarial acts in the state of Texas, you need at a minimum a Texas notary public seal and a Texas notary record book. The Texas record book is also referred to as a notary journal. A Texas notary stamp or notary embosser must meet the following requirements:

1. It needs to be able to stamp or emboss an impression that is legible under photographic methods.
2. It must use permanent ink.
3. The stamp or embosser must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, notary ID number, and the words "Notary Public" and "State of Texas" around a star of five points.
4. The stamp or embosser cannot be more than 1" in width by 2 1/2" in length if rectangular and not more than 2" in diameter if round.

How do I order a Texas notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.texasnotary.com/stamps.asp to order your Texas notary supplies. All our Texas notary stamps and Texas notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in-house, and are shipped in one business day.

How can I train to become a Texas notary?

The Texas Secretary of State's notary training video and educational materials are available at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/notary-public.shtml#video. We also have a Texas Online Course available at https://www.becomeanotarypublic.com.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Texas notary.