Becoming a commissioned notary public in Texas is a great way to capitalize on the state's massive market potential. Whether you're interested in a new full-time career or looking for a lucrative side gig to get yourself back to work, we can help demystify the Texas notary application process.

To become a notary, you must meet the state eligibility requirements, get a surety bond, complete the application and get your supplies.

Ready to apply? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process. We've taken the government legalese found in Form 2301 and made it easy for anyone to understand.

Step One: Meet State Requirements

The barrier of entry is rather low for applications with only three requirements.

In Texas, notary applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Texas resident
• Have no final conviction for a felony or crime involving moral depravity

When including any criminal history, you must disclose findings of guilt or guilty or no-contest pleas from any jurisdiction in or outside the U.S. You do not need to include any Class C misdemeanors.

During their commission, a notary will likely sign or certify forms like a will or loan. The sensitive nature of documents like these is why all applications are subject to background investigations. If an investigation reveals any crimes that you failed to disclose, your application will likely be denied.

Step Two: Complete the Application

The Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public (Form 2301) is a one-page document that, while not too complicated, can be overwhelming for first-time applicants. You must fill it out online, make sure you include the filing fee, sign it and then mail it in.

The fee may be paid with a personal check, money order, or debit/credit card. Checks or money orders must be payable to the Texas Secretary of State through a U.S. bank or financial institution.

Mail the completed application, along with the filing fee and any attachments, to:

Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 13375
Austin, Texas 78711-3375

Let Us Take Care of Everything for You

When you purchase our all-in-one notary package, we guide you through the entire application online. The package also includes your required notary bond, a customized self-inking notary stamp, the required notary record-keeping journal and a frameable notary certificate.

Once you've printed and signed the document, we submit it to the Secretary of State and include the filing fee. Email a scanned copy to info@notaries.com or mail a copy to:

Notaries.com (formerly Huckleberry Notary Bonding, Inc)
225 E Robinson St #570
Orlando, FL 32801

Step Three: Finalize Your Notary Commission

If you purchase our package, you'll receive an email with your commission certificate within 30 days of sending us your application. Once you have this, you must go before another commissioned notary, take the Oath of Office and have the commission notarized.

Step Four: Gather Your Supplies

After you get your notary commission certificate, we will automatically make your stamp and send it to you within 10 days of receiving your commission. Your stamp will comply with state law and show Notary Public, State of Texas around a five-point star, your name and commission expiration date. Because your seal shows the expiration date, we cannot make your stamp until after you receive your commission from the state.

If you need additional supplies, such as extra ink, an embosser, or a Texas notary handbook, check out our supplies store.

FAQs

Do I need a record keeping journal?

Yes. Texas notaries are required to maintain a record of all notarizations, whether any fees are charged or not.

Include the following information in the journal:

• The date of each instrument notarized
• The date of the notarization
• The name and address of the signer, grantor, or maker
• Whether the signer, grantor, or maker is personally known by the notary public, and was properly identified

View Tex. Gov't Code §406.014 for more information.

Do I need a notary bond?

Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. This bond protects the public, not the notary, from any potential notarization mistakes.

How long is my Texas notary commission valid?

Commissions are valid for four years.

Do I need error and omissions insurance?

No, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is not required. However, it is highly recommended. It protects you, the notary, against paying out-of-pocket for lawsuits or bond claim settlements. Learn more about the benefits of E&O insurance here.

How much can I charge for notarizations?

The Secretary of State specifies maximum fees for official acts performed by a notary public. A lesser or no fee is allowed, but charging a fee that is higher than the maximum can result in disciplinary action.

What if I lose my seal or record journal?

If your required notary materials become misplaced or lost, send the Secretary of State a letter that explains the circumstances in which the materials went missing, the last time you used them and any other relevant information.

If any of your notary materials are stolen, file a report with your local law enforcement office and enclose a copy of that report with your letter. Send the letter by email or to the Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 13375, Austin, Texas 78711-3375.

Can I perform notarizations anywhere in Texas? How about for out-of-state residents?

Texas notaries have state-wide jurisdiction and perform their services in any county. This also applies to out-of-state residents if the notarization happens in Texas.

Is education required?

No training is required and there is no exam. However, if an applicant wants to review the state's legal requirements, they can take a free online video course.

Can I notarize online?

Yes, a commissioned notary can perform online electronic notarizations using an audio/video device. This requires an additional application, however. If you are interested in online notarizations after getting commissioned, learn how to apply here.