How to Become a Notary in Texas (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps
Texas is one of the easiest states to become a notary in. There is no exam, no mandatory education, and no background check. The process involves purchasing a surety bond, filing an application with the Secretary of State, and ordering your supplies. Most applicants can complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks for under $150. This guide covers every step to become a Texas notary in 2026.
Texas Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Must be a resident of Texas |
| Education | Not required (but recommended) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Background check | Not required for standard commission |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond |
| Stamp | Ink stamp required (circular or rectangular) |
| Journal | Required by law (must record every notarial act) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Total cost | $80 to $150 (all fees combined) |
| Timeline | 2 to 4 weeks |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Texas Notary
Step 1: Purchase a $10,000 Surety Bond
Texas requires all notaries to carry a $10,000 surety bond. The bond protects the public if you make an error that causes financial harm. You must obtain the bond before filing your application.
Cost: $35 to $55 for a 4-year term Where to buy: National Notary Association, Notary.net, Surety Solutions, or any licensed surety company
Step 2: File Your Application with the Texas Secretary of State
Submit a completed notary public application to the Texas Secretary of State. You can file online through the SOSTx portal or by mail.
The application requires:
- Your legal name, address, and county of residence
- Proof of bond (bond company provides a certificate)
- Filing fee
Filing fee: $21 (online) or $21 (by mail)
Step 3: Take the Oath of Office
After the Secretary of State approves your commission:
- Take the oath of office before any officer authorized to administer oaths (county clerk, notary public, judge, etc.)
- The signed oath must be filed with the county clerk in your county of residence
- This must be completed within 90 days of receiving your commission
County filing fee: $5 to $10
Step 4: Purchase Your Notary Stamp and Journal
Stamp requirements:
- Ink stamp (circular or rectangular)
- Must include: your name, “Notary Public, State of Texas,” commission expiration date, and commission ID number
Journal requirements:
- Texas requires notaries to maintain a record book
- Must record: date of notarization, type of notarial act, type of document, name of each signer, and how identity was verified
- Both paper and electronic journals are accepted
Cost: $15 to $30 (stamp) + $10 to $20 (journal)
Total Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (4-year term) | $35-55 |
| Secretary of State filing fee | $21 |
| County clerk filing fee | $5-10 |
| Stamp | $15-30 |
| Journal | $10-20 |
| Total | $86-136 |
Bundle deals from vendors like the NNA or Notary.net typically cost $75 to $120 and include the bond, stamp, and journal.
How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Purchase bond | Same day (online) |
| File application | 1 day |
| Secretary of State processing | 1-3 weeks |
| Take oath and file with county clerk | 1 day |
| Receive stamp | 3-7 days |
| Total | 2-4 weeks |
Texas Notary Fees
Texas allows notaries to charge up to $6 per notarial act. This rate was updated effective 2024.
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $6 per signature |
| Jurat | $6 per signature |
| Oath or affirmation | $6 |
| Protest of negotiable instrument | $4 for the first and $1 for each additional |
| Copy certification | $6 per certification |
| Mobile notary travel fee | No state cap |
Earning Potential
Texas mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $75 in travel fees on top of the per-act fee, making a standard mobile notary appointment worth $30 to $100. Loan signing agents in Texas earn $75 to $175 per signing. See our notary income guide for detailed earning breakdowns.
Texas vs California: Notary Requirements Compared
| Requirement | Texas | California |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Not required | 6-hour course required |
| Exam | Not required | Written exam required |
| Background check | Not required | Live Scan fingerprinting required |
| Bond amount | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Max fee per act | $6 | $15 |
| Commission term | 4 years | 4 years |
| Total cost | $86-136 | $360-580 |
| Timeline | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
Texas has one of the simplest notary application processes in the country. If you are considering becoming a notary in California, be aware the process is significantly more involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in Texas?
No. Texas does not require an exam for notary applicants. However, the state does recommend that new notaries take a training course to understand their duties and obligations. The NNA and other organizations offer optional training courses.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Texas?
Total cost is approximately $86 to $136, including the bond, filing fees, stamp, and journal. This makes Texas one of the most affordable states to become a notary.
Can I become a Texas notary online?
You can file your application online through the SOSTx portal, and you can order your bond, stamp, and journal online. However, you must take the oath of office in person before an authorized officer and file it with your county clerk.
How long is a Texas notary commission?
Four years from the date of commission. Renewal requires filing a new application and obtaining a new bond. There is no exam or education requirement for renewal.
Do Texas notaries need a journal?
Yes. Texas law requires notaries to maintain a record book documenting every notarial act. The journal must include the date, type of act, document type, signer name, and identification method. Both paper and electronic journals are accepted.
Can I notarize documents from other states as a Texas notary?
You can notarize documents that will be used in other states, but you can only perform the notarization within Texas (unless you are also authorized for remote online notarization). The notarization is performed under Texas law regardless of where the document will be used.
Already a Texas notary? List yourself on FindNotary.io to connect with clients in your area. Or explore notary fees by state, bond requirements, and journal requirements.