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How to Become a Texas Notary


Our easy-to-follow Texas notary guide will show you step by step .


To , 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 by:

1. Purchasing the , paying the state filing fee, and obtaining your and 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 ?

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 .

How do I ?

requires you to take the same steps as a new applicant. Please to begin the renewal process.

When can I ?

You can up to ninety days before your current commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to ?

To , you must purchase a 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 èƵ' website at . 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 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 ?

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 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 . 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 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 . 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 .

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

When becoming a Texas notary, to perform notarial acts in the state of Texas, you need at a minimum a and a k. 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 to order your Texas notary supplies. All our Texas notary stamps and 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 . We also have a Texas Online Course available at .

to learn more about how to become a Texas notary.

Legal Disclaimer: The èƵ is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information. However, it is important to note that the information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. In no event shall the èƵ, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the èƵ website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.