How to get a Texas Notary Commission

How do I become a notary public in Texas?

Step 1: Verify you're eligible to become a notary public in Texas.

You must meet the following requirements to qualify as a notary public as required by the Texas Secretary of State.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of Texas
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime that involved moral turpitude that has not been dismissed or discharged by law

NOTE: If you're an escrow agent or resident of a state bordering Texas, you might qualify as a Texas notary without meeting the residency eligibility requirement per Texas Insurance Code §2652.051.

Step 2: Purchase your Texas notary bond.

According to Texas Government Code Sec. 406.010, each person appointed by a notary public must file a $10,000 Texas notary bond to protect against fraudulent notary work that could occur because a notary intentionally or accidentally violated a notary law. You can buy your Texas notary bond online 24/7 for $50, delivered in minutes by email. For a small additional premium, you may also include errors and omissions insurance coverage. You must file your official notary bond with the Secretary of State before receiving your notary commission.

NOTE: Notaries who primarily perform notarizations as officers or employees of state agencies do not need a bond.

Step 3: Complete your application and pay required fees.

You can access state form 2301, the Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public, here. You'll also need to include the following with your application.

• attachments regarding any criminal convictions, if any
• filing fee

There is a $21 filing fee that can be paid by personal check, money order, LegalEase debit cards, or American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa credit cards.

NOTE: All applications submitted to the Secretary of State are subject to background checks once received.

Step 4: Submit your application.

You can submit your application packet by mail. 

Notary Public Unit
P.O. Box 13375
Austin, TX 78711-3375

Or, you can deliver it in person. 

The James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701

The Secretary of State will issue your notary commission after verifying your information. You should receive your commission certificate from the state in about 2 weeks.

Step 5: Take your oath of office.

As stated in the The Texas Constitution Article 16, all elected and appointed officers must take the official oath of office before they begin their duties. Your oath will be signed and sworn to or affirmed in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths. You cannot execute your own oath of office. You must bring your commission certificate to another Texas notary who will administer the oath and notarize the official form. Per Texas government code, the secretary of state will provide your oath of office form along with commission and educational materials.

Step 6: Purchase notary materials.

You must have and use an official notary seal that can be an inked stamp or embosser in a circular shape that isn’t larger than 2 inches in diameter or a rectangular shape that isn’t larger than 1 inch by 2 ½ inches. Your seal must have a serrated or milled edge border and surround the border with the following information:

• The words “Notary Public, State of Texas”
• A star of five points
• Your name as it appears on your commission
• Your commission expiration date

As a Texas notary, you must maintain a journal whether or not you charge fees for your notary public service.

Step 7: Purchase errors and omission insurance. 

The Texas SOS recommends, but does not require, errors and omissions insurance to limit financial exposure. A surety bond protects consumers rather than the notary; many choose E&O coverage as it protects notaries from legal expenses out of their own pockets. Purchasing errors and omissions insurance protects both you and your company against losses not covered by traditional liability insurance.

Step 8: Participate in continuing education.

Although not required, the state recommends notaries continue taking educational courses that provide additional training and guidance. Please note that the Secretary of State does not provide workshops or seminars, nor does it endorse any specific training providers.