Become a Texas Notary

To become a notary in Texas, you must:

  1. Meet the eligibility requirements listed in the next section.  
  2. Complete an Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public (Form 2301).
  3. Purchase a four-year, $10,000 surety bond. State employees are exempt from the bond requirement and must complete Form 2301-NB instead of Form 2301.
  4. Submit the notary application, additional documents regarding any criminal convictions (if applicable), and a $21 filing fee to the Texas Secretary of State, Notary Public Unit.
  5. Take an oath of office before a notary public upon receipt of the notary public commission. The notary public commission will be emailed to you by the Texas Secretary of State.

Click here to begin the Texas notary public application process.

Who can become a notary public in Texas?

To become a notary public in Texas, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be at least eighteen years of age.
  2. Be a resident of the state of Texas.  
  3. Not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony if the conviction has become final, has not been set aside, and no pardon or certificate of restoration of citizenship rights has been granted.

Note: 1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.10(c) states, “A crime involving moral turpitude includes the commission of a crime involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, deliberate violence, moral depravity, or that reflects adversely on the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a notary public, which may include, but not be limited to:

  • class A and B type misdemeanors which have not been set aside, or for which no pardon or certificate of restoration of citizenship rights have been granted; and
  • felony convictions which have not been set aside, or for which no pardon or certificate of restoration of citizenship rights have been granted.”

Class C type misdemeanor convictions shall not be considered in determining eligibility [1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.10(d)].

This Texas notary guide will help you understand:

  1. Who can become a notary in Texas.
  2. How to become a notary in Texas.
  3. How to become an electronic notary in Texas.
  4. How to become an online notary in Texas.
  5. The basic duties of a notary in Texas.
Apply Online Apply By Mail

How do I renew my notary commission in Texas?

To renew your notary public commission in Texas, you must follow the same process as when you applied for an initial notary commission. A renewal notary application must be submitted to the secretary of state along with a $21 filing fee no more than ninety days before your commission expiration date. A new notary bond and notary stamp must be purchased for your new term.

Click here to renew your Texas notary public commission.

Who appoints notaries in Texas?

The Texas Secretary of State appoints and commissions new applicants and renewing notaries public. “All records concerning the appointment and qualification of the notary public shall be kept in the office of the secretary of state” (Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.012).

Notary Public Unit
Secretary of State
PO Box 13375
Austin, Texas 78711-3375
Phone: (512) 463-5705
Email: notary@sos.texas.gov

Can a non-resident of Texas apply for a commission as a notary public?

Yes. A non-resident applicant can apply to become a notary in Texas if they:

  1. Is a non-resident licensed Texas escrow officer within the meaning assigned by §2652.051 of the Texas Insurance Code.
  2. Satisfies the same qualifications as a Texas resident, setting aside the residency requirements.
  3. Is a resident of one of the following adjacent states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana [1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.12(a)].

Click here to download the Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public by Escrow Officer Residing in Adjacent State (Form 2301-E).

How long is a notary public's commission term in Texas?

The term of office of a Texas notary public is four years.

Is notary training or an exam required to become a notary or to renew a notary commission in Texas?

No. A notary applicant seeking appointment or reappointment as a Texas notary public is not required to complete any notary training or pass a notary course or exam. However, the American Association of Notaries recommends that all Texas notary applicants complete a notary course in order to clearly understand Texas notary laws and the duties and responsibilities of a notary.

The American Association of Notaries offers a Texas notary training course that includes:

  1. Very specific Texas legal requirements with which all Texas notaries should comply.
  2. The fundamental notarial standards, guidelines, and practices critical to the office of a notary public.
  3. Step-by-step notarial practices for the execution of proper notarial acts so notaries can perform these acts professionally and effectively. 

Click here to register for the Texas notary course offered by the American Association of Notaries.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Texas?

The cost to become a notary in Texas includes:

  1. A $21 filing fee.
  2. A four-year, $10,000 surety bond. Click here to view our bond price.
  3. A notarial fee to have your oath of office notarized.
  4. A notary stamp. Click here to view our notary stamp prices.
  5. A notary record book. Click here to view our record book prices.
  6. An errors and omissions insurance policy (optional) to protect yourself in the event you are sued for unintentional mistakes or a false claim is filed against you as a notary. Click here to view our notary e/o policy premiums and coverage amounts.

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

A notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required to become a Texas notary public or to renew your notary commission. However, the American Association of Notaries strongly recommends that every Texas notary obtain a notary E&O insurance policy. This insurance protects you from a claim if a client sues you as a notary. A notary E&O policy covers unintentional notarial mistakes and pays for legal fees and damages based on the coverage you select as a Texas notary public.

Texas notary errors and omissions insurance policies are available to order online at the American Association of Notaries website.

Do I need a notary bond to become a notary in Texas?

All Texas notary applicants must provide proof of a four-year, $10,000 notary bond to become a notary public in Texas. The notary bond protects the public from a notary’s errors. If a member of the public files a claim against a notary’s bond, the bonding company is very likely to sue the notary to recoup the funds it paid on the notary’s behalf. A notary bond does not protect notaries from mistakes they make. This is why notary errors and omissions insurance (commonly known as “E&O” or “E&O insurance”) is vital.

You can order a four-year Texas notary bond online at the American Association of Notaries website.

Do I need to order a notary stamp in Texas?

Yes. All Texas notaries must use an inked notary stamp or notary seal embosser when notarizing documents.

The inked stamp or embosser seal may be a circular form not more than two inches in diameter or a rectangular form not more than one inch in width and two-and-a-half inches in length.

The seal of office must clearly and legibly show when embossed, stamped, or printed on a document, the following elements:

  • The words “Notary Public, State of Texas” around a star of five points
  • The notary public’s name
  • The notary’s identifying number
  • The date the notary public’s commission expires
  • A serrated or milled edge border

Note: All the notary’s stamp or embosser seal impressions must be capable of being reproduced photographically.

The American Association of Notaries offers quality notary stamps and seals at savings of up to 40% or more compared to the same products elsewhere. Click here to order your Texas notary stamp, complete notary package, and other notary supplies.

What are the steps to replace a lost or stolen Texas notary seal?

If your notary seal has been misplaced or lost, send a written notification to the Texas Secretary of State’s office detailing the circumstances in which the materials went missing, the last time you used them, and any other relevant information.

If your notary stamp has been stolen, you should file a report with your local law enforcement office and enclose a copy of that report with your written notification to the Secretary of State’s Office.

How much can a Texas notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

Texas notary fees are set by state notary statute (Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.024). The maximum allowable fees a Texas notary or their employer may charge for notarial acts are as follows:

  • For protesting a bill or note for nonacceptance or nonpayment, register and seal: $4
  • For each notice of protest: $1
  • For protesting in all other cases: $4
  • For certificate and seal to a protest: $4
  • For taking the acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument in writing, for registration, including certificate and seal:
    • For the first signature: $10
    • For each additional signature: $1
  • For administering an oath or affirmation with certificate and seal: $10
  • For a certificate under seal not otherwise provided for: $10
  • For a copy of a record or paper in the notary public’s office (for each page): $1
  • For taking the deposition of a witness (for each 100 words): $1
  • For swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate, seal, and other business connected with taking the deposition: $10
  • For a notarial act not provided for: $10

An online notary public or their employer may charge a fee not to exceed $25 for performing an online notarization in addition to any other fees authorized under Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.024.

Note: Notaries public must keep posted at all times in a conspicuous place in the respective offices a complete list of fees the notary may charge by law (Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §603.008). Furthermore, “an officer who by law may charge a fee for a service shall keep a fee book and shall enter in the book all fees charged for services rendered” (Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §603.006). Charging more than the maximum fee allowed by Texas notary laws may subject Texas notaries to possible criminal prosecution and suspension or revocation of their commission by the secretary of state.

Is a notary journal required in Texas?

Notary journal requirements for each type of notarization in Texas:

  • Traditional Notarizations – Texas notaries performing traditional notarizations are required to maintain a record book in which they record all notarial acts performed. The record book can be maintained in a tangible or electronic format.
  • Electronic Notarizations – Texas notaries performing electronic notarizations are required to maintain an electronic record book in which they record all electronic notarial acts performed.
  • Online Notarizations – Texas notaries performing online notarizations are required to maintain an electronic record book in which they record all electronic notarial acts performed. 

A notary journal (also known as a record book, log book, or register book) is your first line of defense in proving your innocence if a notarial act you performed is questioned or if you are requested to testify in a court of law about a notarial act you performed in the past. A properly recorded notarial act creates a paper trail that will help investigators locate and prosecute signers who have committed forgery or fraud. Properly recorded notarial acts provide evidence that you followed your state laws and notary’s best practices. 

The American Association of Notaries offers notary journals in tangible and electronic formats.

Click here to purchase a tangible notary journal.

Click here to become a member and access our electronic notary journal.

What information must Texas notaries record in their notary journals?

Texas requires notaries to chronicle the following information in their notary journals:

• For Traditional Notarizations and Electronic Notarizations:

  1. The date of each instrument notarized.
  2. The date of the notarization.
  3. The name of the signer, grantor, or maker.
  4. The signer's, grantor's, or maker's mailing address.
  5. Whether the signer, grantor, or maker is personally known by the notary public, was identified by an identification card issued by a governmental agency or a passport issued by the United States, or was introduced to the notary public and, if introduced, the name and mailing address of the individual introducing the signer, grantor, or maker.
  6. If the instrument is proved by a witness, the mailing address of the witness, whether the witness is personally known by the notary public or was introduced to the notary public and, if introduced, the name and mailing address of the individual introducing the witness.
  7. The name and mailing address of the grantee.
  8. If land is conveyed or charged by the instrument, the name of the original grantee and the county where the land is located; and
  9. A brief description of the instrument.

• For Online Notarizations:

  1. The date and time of the online notarization.
  2. The type of notarial act.
  3. The type, the title, or a description of the document or proceeding.
  4. The printed name and address of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding.
  5. Evidence of identity of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding in the form of:
    • a statement that the person is personally known to the online notary public.
    • a notation of the type of identification document provided to the online notary public.
    • a record of the identity verification made under Tex. Gov’t. Code §406.110, if applicable; or
    • the printed name and address of each credible witness swearing to or affirming the person's identity and, for each credible witness not personally known to the online notary public, a description of the type of identification documents provided to the online notary public.
  6. A recording of any video and audio conference that is the basis for satisfactory evidence of identity and a notation of the type of identification presented as evidence.

The fee, if any, charged for the notarization.

What steps should I take if my Texas notary journal is lost or stolen?

If your notary journal has been misplaced or lost, send a written notification to the Texas Secretary of State’s office detailing the circumstances in which the materials went missing, the last time you used them, and any other relevant information.

If your notary journal has been stolen, you should file a report with your local law enforcement office and enclose a copy of that report with your written notification to the Secretary of State’s Office.

How long should I retain my Texas notary journal?

A Texas notary is required to keep their notary journal for (whichever is longer):

  1. the term of the commission; or
  2. three years following the date of the last notarization.

The best practice, however, would be for the notary to permanently keep their notary journal in a safe and secure manner.

Where can I perform notarial acts in Texas?

You may perform notarial acts while you are physically located anywhere within the geographic borders of the state of Texas.

However, a Texas notary is not authorized to perform a notarial act on a federal enclave or Indian reservation within Texas (Tex. Atty. Gen. Op. JC-0390 [2001]). Some but not all military bases are federal enclaves (Texas Secretary of State’s website).

What notarial acts can a Texas notary public perform?

A Texas notary public is authorized to perform the following notarial acts [Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.016(a)]:

  • Take acknowledgments or proofs of written instruments
  • Administer oaths
  • Protest instruments permitted by law to be protested
  • Take depositions as provided by Section 20.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code
  • Certify copies of documents not recordable in the public records

What kind of notarizations are allowed in Texas?

Texas law allows the following four types of notarizations:

Traditional notarization – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. Traditional notarization involves an individual signing a tangible document with an inked pen and a notary public signing and affixing an inked notary stamp impression to the tangible notarial certificate.

Electronic notarization (in person) – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. However, the notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

Online notarization - The signer appears remotely before an online notary via audio-visual conference technology. The notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

Online notarization on tangible documents - The signer appears before an online notary via audio-video conference technology. This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to send the document to each other and for the online notary public to use their physical stamp to notarize the document without the aid of an electronic seal or electronic signature.

What are the steps to become an electronic notary in Texas?

Any traditional Texas notary can perform in-person electronic notarizations. There are no additional application requirements to perform in-person electronic notarizations; you need to only have an active notary public commission and acquire an electronic signature and electronic notary seal through a third-party vendor.

What are the steps to become an online notary in Texas?

To become an online notary in Texas, you must:

  1. Have an active notary public commission.
  2. Purchase an electronic image of your notary seal in one of the following formats: BMP, JPEG, PNG, or TIF.
  3. Purchase a digital certificate containing your electronic signature from a reputable third-party provider.
  4. Have the tools necessary to meet the secretary of state’s standards for performing online notarizations.
  5. Apply online on the secretary of state’s website through the Online Notary Public Commissioning System. 
  6. Download the statement of officer and sign it using your digital certificate.
  7. Upload the electronically signed statement of officer.
  8. Upload a sample of your electronic seal that you will use to perform remote online notarizations.
  9. Pay a $50 application fee and a processing fee of $1.35.
  10. Take the oath of office before another notary once you receive your online notary commission certificate.

Note: An online notary in Texas can notarize electronic and tangible documents for remotely located individuals. For more information on how to become an online notary in Texas, visit the secretary of state’s website.

How do I update my address on my Texas notary commission?

If your address on file with the Texas Secretary of State changes, you must notify the secretary of state within ten days of the change.

You have two options to update your address with the secretary of state:

No fee is required for an address change. If a notary public fails to comply with Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.019, their notary commission may be revoked.  

How do I change my name on my notary commission in Texas?

Updating your official commission name after a name change is optional. You may continue to perform notarial acts under the name you are commissioned under until your commission term expires.

If you would like to update your commission name while your notary commission is active, you must:

  1. Download and complete an Application for Change of Name as Texas Notary Public (Form 2305).
  2. Obtain a rider or endorsement from the bonding or surety company that executed your original bond.
  3. Mail Form 2305, the original rider or endorsement, the original notary public commission certificate, and a $20 filing fee to the secretary of state.

The secretary of state will issue an amended commission reflecting the name change and the effective date of the change, provided there are no errors or omissions on the notary’s name change request.

Once you receive your amended notary commission certificate, you must order a new notary seal that contains your new name.

If you are commissioned as both a traditional and an online notary, you need to order both a new traditional seal and a new electronic seal and a digital certificate that contains your new name, as specified on the amended commission [1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.62(c)].

Revised:

February 2024

Legal disclaimer: 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 we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, 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 American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Texas notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). American Association of Notaries is owned by Kal Tabbara, a licensed insurance agent in Texas.