What Are the Steps to Become a Texas Notary?

A Texas Notary Public is a public servant with statewide jurisdiction appointed by the Texas Secretary of State to deter fraud  by identifying signers and witnessing  the signing of important documents. A notarized document will assure the receiving party that the identities of the signers have been verified and the document was signed on the date stated on the notarial certificate.  

Becoming a notary in Texas is a straightforward process. The simplest way to become a Texas notary is to choose an organization that can handle submitting your notary application electronically to the state, issue a four-year notary bond in the amount of $10,000 as required by the state, manufacture your notary supplies once you are approved as a Texas notary, and be around to help you maintain your notary commission (if you ever need to update your name due to a marriage or divorce or to update your address) and to help you answer questions related to notary laws during your four-year notary term.

Below are the steps to become a notary in Texas:

1- Complete an application to become a Texas notary –

You can complete a Texas notary application online or offline. You are required to enter the name you wish to use when you become a Texas notary. You may choose to apply using your legal name or any variation of your legal name. You are also required to enter your DOB, SS#, and driver’s license number. If you have any criminal convictions, you must attach to your Texas notary application documentation regarding your criminal convictions to assist the Secretary of State’s office in determining qualification. Processing time for applications with criminal convictions is approximately four to six weeks.

2- Purchase a Texas notary bond -

When applying to become a Texas notary, all Texas notary applicants are required to provide a four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond. The notary bond protects the public from any notary negligence or wrongdoing. The bond does not protect the notary.

3- Pay the state application filing fee -

Texas requires notaries to include a $21.00 application fee. An application will be rejected if the fee is not included with the notary application.

4- Order a Texas notary stamp –

Every time you perform a notarial act, you are required to complete a notarial certificate, print your name as listed on your Texas notary commission, and affix your notary stamp. Texas law allows notaries to use an inked notary stamp or a notary metal seal embosser that makes a raised seal impression of the notary information.

5- Order a Texas notary record book -

Every time you perform a notarial act you are required to enter certain information required by Texas notary law. The American Association of Notaries recommends that you purchase a record book that complies with Texas notary law in lieu or a generic record book. The book must be perfectly bound with consecutively numbered pages and journal entries. (A notary’s record book may also be referred to as a “journal of notarial acts” or a “journal.”)

6- Take the oath of office -

Once you are approved as a Texas notary, the Texas Secretary of State will mail you or email you an oath of office form. Take the form to another notary to get the oath notarized and swear that you will perform your duties as required by law. You will not be recognized as a notary if you do not take this final step.

The American Association of Notaries is the largest Texas-based notary organization and can help you become a Texas notary. We are also a bonding agency approved by the Texas Department of Insurance  to sell surety notary bonds. Additionally, we manufacture in-house notary supplies at affordable prices. Click here to learn how to become a Texas notary.