Application to Become a Notary in Texas
Texas notaries are appointed by the secretary of state's office for a four-year notary term. To become a notary in Texas, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements (i.e., be over the age 18 and a state resident) and complete and submit a signed notary application Form #2301 (Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public). Along with the form, applicants must submit proof of a $10,000 notary bond and a $21.00 application fee.
Things to remember when completing a Texas notary application
When completing the Texas notary application, make sure all information on the application is typed or printed legibly using black ink.
It is important to be honest and truthful when completing the notary application. If it is determined that you misstated any information on the notary application, your notary appointment may be delayed or denied. If the misstatements are discovered later, your commission can be revoked or suspended, and you may be denied any future consideration for a notary appointment. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution on a charge of perjury.
Information required on the Texas notary application
- A properly completed notary application will contain the following information:
- The applicant’s name (which must exactly match the name you will use as a notary)
- The applicant’s mailing address
- The applicant’s email address
- The applicant’s county of residence
- The applicant’s date of birth
- The applicant’s driver’s license number (or the number of an alternate official state-issued identification)
- The applicant’s Social Security number
- A convictions questionnaire, answered accurately
- A bond section signed by a bonding agency such as the American Association of Notaries
- A Statement of Officer executed as required by the Texas Constitution, Article 16, Section 1(b)
- A $21.00 state application fee
Some of your personal information is shared
All of the information on the application except for the applicant’s Social Security number and driver’s license number are public records, meaning they are available to the public to view upon request or they are available to view on the Secretary of State’s website. If security concerns are an issue, you are not required to use your home address on the application as the mailing address.
The Secretary of State’s office may require additional information to determine if an applicant is eligible for a notary commission or may deny a notary appointment for “good cause” as prescribed in Tex. Gov’t. Code Ann. §406.009.
Fastest way to become a Notary in Texas
The easiest and quickest way to become a Texas notary is through a one-stop-shop bonding agency such as the American Association of Notaries, which will file the notary application on your behalf with the Secretary of State, issue your notary bond, and manufacture your Texas notary stamp according to notary law specifications. The approval process usually takes seven to fourteen business days if all of the information included on the application is correct.
The American Association of Notaries recommends that each notary keep a copy of the application in his or her files so that it is readily accessible if the notary later needs to contact the Secretary of State, the bonding agency, or the surety company.
The American Association of Notaries has been serving Texas notaries since 1994. We are a one-stop-shop for all your Texas notary needs.
Click here to learn how to become a notary in Texas.
Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
Texas notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). American Association of Notaries is owned by Kal Tabbara, a licensed insurance agent in Texas.