How to Become a Notary in Texas

Becoming a notary public in Texas is a straightforward process if you meet the requirements and follow the necessary steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a notary in Texas, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a legal resident of Texas
Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude (such as theft or various misdemeanors)

How to Apply to Become a Notary in Texas

The process for becoming a Texas notary involves a few essential steps:

Step 1: Order Your Texas Notary Bond & Supplies, and Complete the Notary Public Commission Form

To become a notary in Texas, you will need a $10,000 notary bond from a trusted bonding agency such as Budget Notary Bonding Agency. This bond protects the public from financial loss caused by notarial misconduct.

The state of Texas charges a fee for applying to become a notary. You will also need to purchase a notary stamp and record book to perform your duties. The notary package on our Become a Notary page includes the state filing fee, notary bond, notary stamp, and record book—ensuring you have all the state-mandated items.

Next, complete the Notary Public Commission Form through our online process, which minimizes errors and streamlines the steps. During this process, you will confirm the case color of your notary stamp and have the option to add notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and other supplies to your order.

Though not required by law, it's wise to invest in notary E&O insurance. This type of insurance protects you from financial liability for unintentional errors, unlike the notary bond, which protects the public. Our Notary E&O policies have no deductibles, so you won’t need to repay covered expenses, making it a valuable investment for any notary.

It's also a good idea to become educated on Texas notary public laws and best practices. While not mandatory, education helps you perform your duties lawfully and ethically. The Secretary of State provides educational materials in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §406.008(b) on their website. To further enhance your skills and confidence, consider enrolling in the Texas Notary Course offered by Budget Notary Bonding Agency. This course, priced at $25, provides a thorough understanding of notary laws, duties, and best practices. You can also add the Texas Notary Handbook to your order for $15.25, a helpful resource for reference in the field.

At the end of checkout, you will receive a confirmation page and may download the information provided on that page for your records.

Step 2: Submit the Application and Bond Details

Once we receive your order, we will review the information and electronically transmit your notary application and bond details to the Secretary of State’s Notary Unit for processing.

Step 3: Electronically Sign/Accept Statement of Officer

Upon acceptance of your notary application and bond, the Secretary of State’s Notary Unit will email you a link to create an account on their website. After account creation, you must:

Review your information.
Upload any documentation requested by the state in determining your eligibility
Electronically sign the Statement of Officer.

This step must be completed within 90 days from the date of acceptance to avoid delays or the need to reapply.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate and Supplies

Once approved, you will have access to download your notary commission certificate. Please note that you will only be able to download it once free of charge. Print your commission certificate and take it to another commissioned Texas notary, who will administer the Oath of Office and notarize the document. You are responsible for keeping the notarized certificate on file. Budget Notary Bonding Agency will begin manufacturing your order and ship it within three business days upon notification of approval from the state.

Step 5: Start Notarizing

Congratulations! You are now a commissioned notary public in Texas. Once you receive your supplies, you may begin offering your services to the public.

If you have any questions about becoming a notary, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 866.328.5524. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.