Who Can Become a Texas Notary?
Compared to other states, Texas has few eligibility requirements to become a notary. Any applicant wishing to become a Texas notary must meet only three qualifications:
1. Be a Texas resident.
Texas notary law does not specify how long a person must reside in Texas to qualify to become a Texas notary. As long as you reside in Texas and have a physical address and claim Texas as your resident state, you are qualified to become a Texas notary.
2. Be 18 years of age or older.
If you are under 18 years of age, you do not qualify to become a notary, and your notary application will be rejected if received by the Texas Secretary of State before your 18th birthday.
3. Have no felony convictions.
You do not qualify to become a notary public if you were convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony and the conviction has become final, has not been set aside, and no pardon or certificate of restoration of citizenship rights has been granted. A crime involving moral turpitude includes the commission of a crime involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, deliberate violence, or moral depravity, or is a crime that reflects adversely on the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a notary public. A class C type misdemeanor convictions is not considered a reason for ineligibility.
If you have a conviction that is set aside, you must attach to your application documentation regarding your criminal convictions to assist the Secretary of State’s office in determining qualification. Processing time for applications with criminal convictions is approximately four to six weeks.
If you have a conviction and it has been set aside, the American Association of Notaries will help you become a Texas notary. Click here to download the Texas notary application forms.
Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries 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 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.