How to become a notary in Texas
Notaries in Texas are commissioned by the Texas Secretary of State (Notary Public Unit). Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
The state's website could not be fully reached when we checked, so some details come from Texas law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a notary in Texas?
- At least 18 years old
- Texas resident
- No conviction for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude
- Pass a background check run by the Secretary of State
What are the Texas notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Texas Secretary of State (Notary Public Unit) |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. Since January 1, 2026 (SB 693 and 1 TAC Chapter 87), new and renewing applicants must complete the Secretary of State's notary education course (up to 2 hours, $20 nonrefundable fee per attempt) within 90 days of paying; proof must be dated within one year before applying. |
| Exam required | Yes. The education course ends with an online assessment; applicants must answer at least 70% of questions correctly, with no more than 3 attempts in 3 months. |
| Surety bond | $10,000 |
| Application fee | Not stated on the official pages we checked |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes; a commissioned traditional notary may apply for a separate Online Notary Public commission ($50 application fee) using an x.509 digital certificate and electronic seal, with no additional bond. |
Steps to become a notary in Texas
- Create an SOSPortal account and open the SOS Notary Portal
- Pay for and complete the notary education course and pass its assessment
- Buy a $10,000 surety bond from a Texas-licensed surety and get the Proof of Bond form (2301-B)
- Submit the online application with the bond form and pay the filing fee
- After approval, download your commission certificate (one-time download)
- Take the oath of office and sign the commission, then order a seal that matches it exactly
Apply on the official Texas site
How do you find a notary in Texas?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Texas notary lookup.