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Notary public · Texas

How to become a notary in Texas: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Texas Secretary of State's own published requirements.

Maid DizdarevicCareer coach · 8x LinkedIn Top Voice
Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Texas: Who can apply: Texas resident, at least 18, with no conviction for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. Training: Complete the Secretary of State's notary education requirement through the SOS Notary Portal. Bond: A $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized in Texas. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the Texas Secretary of State.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Texas

Data
Texas notary public requirements (Texas Secretary of State)
RequirementTexas
Who can applyTexas resident, at least 18, with no conviction for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
TrainingComplete the Secretary of State's notary education requirement through the SOS Notary Portal.
ExamNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Texas Secretary of State.
BondA $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized in Texas.
Commission termFour years.
State feeNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Texas Secretary of State.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Texas Secretary of State.
Oath and filingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Texas Secretary of State.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Texas

Data
  1. Review the Secretary of State's notary FAQs.
  2. Complete the notary education requirement through the SOS Notary Portal.
  3. Get proof of a notary public surety bond from a Texas licensed bonding company.
  4. Submit the application to become a notary public in the SOSPortal.
Next

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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Texas?
To become a notary public in Texas: Who can apply: Texas resident, at least 18, with no conviction for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. Training: Complete the Secretary of State's notary education requirement through the SOS Notary Portal. Bond: A $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized in Texas. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the Texas Secretary of State.
How long is a notary commission in Texas?
Four years.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Texas?
A $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized in Texas.
Is training required to become a notary in Texas?
Complete the Secretary of State's notary education requirement through the SOS Notary Portal.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Texas Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Texas Secretary of State, Notary Public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  2. Texas Secretary of State, Frequently Asked Questions for Notaries Public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  3. Texas Secretary of State, Form 2301-B, Texas Notary Public Surety Bond, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.