State Requirements
How to Become a Notary in Texas
Texas notary requirements, fees, bond amounts, and step-by-step instructions.
Texas Notary Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
No
Surety Bond
$10,000
Commission Term
4 years
Education Required
None
E&O Insurance
Optional (recommended)
Background Check
Not required
Application Fee
$21
Appointing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal Required
Yes
Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Journal required for all notarial acts.
Steps to Become a Notary in Texas
Meet Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Texas. You must be a legal U.S. resident with no disqualifying criminal record.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the Secretary of State. The application fee is $21.
Obtain a $10,000 Surety Bond
Texas requires a $10,000 surety bond. You can purchase one from a bonding company for approximately $50–$200 for a 4 years term.
Purchase Your Notary Seal & Supplies
Get your official notary seal/stamp, notary journal (if required), and any other supplies needed for your practice.
Take the Oath of Office
Once your commission is approved, take the oath of office as required by Texas law. Your commission will be valid for 4 years.
Texas Notary Fee Schedule
Maximum fees a notary can charge per act in Texas:
| Notarial Act | Max Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $6.00 |
| Jurat (Verification on Oath/Affirmation) | $6.00 |
| Oath / Affirmation | $6.00 |
| Copy Certification | $6.00 |
| Signature Witnessing | $6.00 |
| Deposition | $6.00 |
$6 per notarial act. Protest: $4 per page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take an exam to become a notary in Texas? +
No, Texas does not require a notary exam. You can apply directly through the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Texas? +
The application fee is $21. A $10,000 surety bond costs approximately $100–$200. Add $15–40 for a notary seal. Total startup cost is typically $145–$260.
How long is a notary commission in Texas? +
A notary commission in Texas lasts 4 years. After that, you’ll need to renew by filing a new application and bond (if required).
Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Texas? +
Yes, Texas authorizes Remote Online Notarization. You’ll need to register as an electronic notary and use an approved RON platform.
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