How to Become a Notary Public in Texas Step by Step

To qualify to become a notary in Texas, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of Texas
• Have no felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude
• Be able to read and write English

Texas does not require lengthy classroom training, which makes it one of the simpler states to obtain a notary commission.

Every applicant must obtain a $10,000 Texas notary bond before submitting their application.

This bond is required by the Texas Secretary of State under Texas Government Code Chapter 406.

Important facts about the Texas notary bond:

• Bond amount: $10,000
• Bond term: 4 years
• Required for approval
• Protects the public, not the notary

At American Surety Bonds:

• The Texas notary bond costs $50 for the full 4-year term
• The state filing fee is $21
• We automatically file your bond with the State of Texas for you

That means no paperwork confusion and no mailing delays.

After securing your bond, you must submit:

• Texas Notary Application Form 2301
• The required $10,000 notary bond
• The $21 state filing fee
• The application is filed with the Texas Secretary of State.

Once approved, you will receive your official Texas notary commission certificate.

Because we handle the filing process, you avoid common mistakes that delay approval.

Once your commission certificate is issued:

• Take your oath before another Texas notary
• Properly complete the oath requirement

After this step, you are legally authorized to begin performing notarial acts in Texas.

All Texas notaries must obtain:

• An official Texas notary seal or stamp
• A notary record book or journal

Your stamp must include:

• Your name
• The words Notary Public State of Texas
• Your commission expiration date

We may be able to assist you with notary stamp, journal, and optional Errors and Omissions coverage within our Texas notary bond application.

Most applicants complete the process in 2 to 3 weeks depending on state processing times.
Filing your Texas notary bond correctly the first time helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Here is the standard cost breakdown:

• $50 Texas notary bond for 4 years
• $21 state filing fee
• Stamp and journal cost varies

Most applicants spend between $100 and $150 total.

With American Surety Bonds, the bond and state filing are handled together, making the process simple and fast.

A Texas notary commission is valid for 4 years.
After 4 years, you must renew your Texas notary bond and reapply with the Secretary of State to continue serving as a notary public.

The Texas notary bond requirement exists to protect the public in the event of a notarial error that causes financial loss.
Without the required $10,000 surety bond, the Secretary of State will not approve your notary application.

If you are ready to become a Texas notary public, American Surety Bonds can issue your $10,000 Texas notary bond instantly and automatically file it with the State of Texas.

• $50 bond
• $21 filing fee
• Automatic state filing
• Fast processing
• Trusted nationwide

To get started, complete our simplified application or speak with an underwriter today. American Surety Bonds Agency is proud to assist Bank of America customers across the country. Apply today and receive your bond today.

American Surety can also assist you with any of your other bonding needs, as we are licensed in all 50 states.  Call us today at (404) 486-2355 or our toll-free number (877) 201-8976 or you can visit our website suretybondsagency.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!