How to Become a Texas Notary

1. Purchase a Texas notary bond and application. This bond and application is also known as "Form 2301-B."

2. Complete the Texas notary commission application. This application is directly attached to the notary bond. 

3. Submit your application and bond to the Secretary of State. Pay the $21 filing fee.

4. Receive your notary public commission certificate. Usually you will receive your commission certificate within 14-30 days of filing your application.

5. To take the oath of office, bring your commission certificate to a Texas notary who will administer the oath of office and notarize the form. Make sure you keep your commission certificate.

6. Purchase your notary stamp, notary journal, and E&O insurance. E&O insurance is optional, but HIGHLY recommended. Both keeping a journal and purchasing E&O insurance will help you protect yourself from any potential lawsuits. E&O insurance greatly reduces your financial liability.

Notary.net offers an online Texas Online Notary Course for anyone seeking to learn how to notarize, what a notary is, and how to start your notary business.

The Texas Secretary of State also offers free notary public education.

Source: sos.state.tx.us 

Texas Notary FAQs

What are the requirements to become a Texas notary?

To become a Texas notary, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident of Texas.
• Not be convicted of a felony or a crime that involves moral turpitude.

Can I notarize for my husband/wife? Can I notarize for family members?

Yes; however, do NOT notarize a document if your name is on the document, or if you will benefit from the transaction. 

Where can I notarize documents?

A notary commissioned in Texas can notarize documents in all Texas counties. 

Texas Notary Fee Schedule 2022:

(1) for protesting a bill or note for nonacceptance or nonpayment, register and seal, a fee of $4;

(2) for each notice of protest, a fee of $1;

(3) for protesting in all other cases, a fee of $4;

(4) for certificate and seal to a protest, a fee of $4;

(5) for taking the acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument in writing, for registration, including certificate and seal, a fee of $6 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature;

(6) for administering an oath or affirmation with certificate and seal, a fee of $6;

(7) for a certificate under seal not otherwise provided for, a fee of $6;

(8) for a copy of a record or paper in the notary public's office, a fee of 50 cents for each page;

(9) for taking the deposition of a witness, 50 cents for each 100 words;

(10) for swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate, seal, and other business connected with taking the deposition, a fee of $6; and

(11) for a notarial act not provided for, a fee of $6.