How to Become a Notary in Texas

ATTENTION TEXAS NOTARIES

Starting January 1, 2026, Texas notaries appointed or reappointed will be required to complete a short education course, limited to two hours, and offered exclusively by the Texas Secretary of State. These changes, enacted and effective September 1, 2025 by Senate Bill 693, also establish stricter penalties for certain notary misconduct and mandate a ten-year record retention period for notaries. The new education rules will apply to all notary applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.

 

NOTARY PUBLIC ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS

 

Each person commissioned as a notary public shall be:
     ► At least 18 years of age.
     ► A resident of the State of Texas.
     ► Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
     ► Provide a $10,000 surety bond, if required (state employees are exempt from the bond requirement).
     ► Pay the $21.57 filing fee.
     ► Complete notary application on the Secretary of State web portal.
     ► Take an oath of office before a notary public.

Steps to Obtain or Renew Your
Texas Notary Public Commission

1. Purchase through Atkinson Bros. Agency:
          a. $10,000 Texas Notary Bond and pay the Texas state filing fee. (The bond and filing fee will be electronically submitted to the Texas Secretary of State on your behalf.)
          b. Choose Supplies:
                    ► New Notaries: Need a Notary Seal & Record Book.
                    ► Renewing Notaries: Need a new Notary Seal (Record Book if needed).
          c. Purchase Individual Notary Errors & Omissions Coverage (optional).

Step 1 - Order Bond, E&O, & Supplies Now

Do not skip step 1 above as it will delay your license from being approved.

2. You’ll receive an email from DoNotReply@sos.texas.gov titled “Notification from Texas Secretary of State – Application Initiated” with instructions.”
          ■ Complete your application by logging into the Texas Secretary of State portal, reviewing, and electronically signing.
                    ► How to: Create an account on the Texas Secretary of State portal
                    ► How to: Complete the Application for Appointment
3. Once appointed:
          a. Download your commission from the Texas Secretary of State portal.
                    ► Save a copy of the digital version. If you lose it you will have to purchase a new one from the Texas Secretary of State.
          b. Take the Oath of Office before an authorized official (not yourself).
          c. Keep your commission accessible while performing notarial duties.
          d. DO NOT send your commission to the Secretary of State.
4. Learn Texas notarial laws (Chapters 406 & 87). Visit the state’s educational site for resources or watch training videos.
5. Send a copy of your Commission Certificate to NPLD@NotarySource.com to receive your supplies. Allow 1-3 days for processing.