For Notaries · Texas
How to Become a Notary in Texas
To become a notary in Texas, you must be a Texas resident, at least 18, with no felony or crime-of-moral-turpitude conviction. Complete the state's notary education, obtain a $10,000 surety bond, and file your application with a $21 fee through the Texas Secretary of State. Commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Texas Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | Texas resident, 18+, no felony or crime of moral turpitude |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | $10,000 |
| State filing fee | $21 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | Required (state-approved course) |
| Online / remote notary | Available after your traditional commission (+$50 state fee) |
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Texas: 5 Steps
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be a legal Texas resident, at least 18 years old, and not have a final conviction for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
- 2
Complete your notary education
Texas requires new applicants to complete a notary education requirement through the Secretary of State's Notary Portal before you're commissioned.
- 3
Get a $10,000 surety bond
Purchase a $10,000 notary surety bond from a bonding company licensed to do business in Texas. The bond protects the public — it is not insurance for you (consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage).
- 4
Submit your application and $21 fee
File your notary public application, with proof of your bond, through the Texas Secretary of State's online portal and pay the $21 filing fee.
- 5
Receive your commission and start notarizing
Once approved, you receive a four-year commission. Order your notary seal and record book (journal), then you're ready to notarize documents across Texas.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Texas
A Texas online notary public can notarize for signers who appear over live audio-visual conference instead of in person — this is remote online notarization (RON).
1. Hold a current traditional commission
You must already be a commissioned Texas notary (with a notary ID number). You cannot be an online-only notary in Texas.
2. Apply electronically and pay the $50 fee
Apply through the Secretary of State's online commissioning system and pay the $50 online notary application fee.
3. Get a compliant digital certificate
Obtain a digital certificate from a third-party provider that uses PKI technology and is X.509 compliant, so your electronic seal and signature are secure.
Source: Texas SOS — eNotary / Online Notary.
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Texas
Texas allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Texas commission you can add an online notary commission and notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Texas? | Yes | Yes — apply for an online notary commission (+$50 state fee) |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and an X.509 digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Texas?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State filing fee | $21 (fixed by the state) |
| $10,000 surety bond | Premium varies by bonding company |
| Notary education | Varies by provider |
| Seal, journal & supplies | Varies |
| Online notary application (optional) | $50 (fixed by the state) |
Only the state fees ($21 filing, $50 online) are fixed; bond premiums, education, and supplies vary by provider. See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Texas Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. Once you're a Texas online notary, USA Notary connects you with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how notaries earn, check the requirements to join our platform, and see how remote online notarization works.
Become a Remote Online NotaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Texas Secretary of State — Notary Public (bond, term, fee, eligibility, education)
- Texas SOS — eNotary / Online Notary (online notary requirements)
- Texas SOS — Getting Started as an Online Notary
This guide summarizes public requirements from the Texas Secretary of State and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with the Texas Secretary of State before applying.