How to become a notary in Texas

Get everything you need with a full Texas Notary Package.

Your Texas Notary commission lasts for four years. Find more information about the Notary Public application process below.

The cost of becoming a Notary in Texas ranges between $148 - $173, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary supplies.

Get your state-required Notary supplies for a Texas Notary commission with the NNA.

After you submit your application, you should receive your commission certificate from the state via email in about one week.

Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Lone Star State? Read on below.

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.

Complete and submit your application through the Texas SOS Portal along with proof of your bond and application fee.

For instructions on submitting your Texas Notary application, visit the SOS website.

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

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.

Here, you'll find general information about being a Texas Notary Public.

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Last updated: Feb 5, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Texas Notary Package.