Breaking Down the Notary Application Process in Texas

A notary public, according to Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §406.008(b), is a person appointed as an officer of the state of Texas to help prevent document fraud.

They do this by acting as a disinterested party who is authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths, take depositions and certify copies of non-public documents.

The Office of the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) has established laws and requirements that specify how to become a notary.

This guide outlines each requirement to ensure you submit an error-free application.

How to Apply

There are two types of official notary applications: one that you complete and submit yourself and one that a bonding agency like Notary of America submits.

Since the state requires a $10,000 bond, we'll cover the bonding agency process in detail.

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be a resident
  2. Be at least 18 years old
  3. Maintain no convictions for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude (theft, various misdemeanors).

Note: The SOS runs background checks on all notary applicants.

Take a Training Course and Pass an Assessment

As of January 1st, 2026, all applicants must complete an online training course and pass an assessment to comply with Senate Bill 693. The course ends with a 20-question multiple-choice assessment that requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The mandatory education is accessible via the online SOS Portal. Follow this guide to create an account if you need one.

The SOS collects a $20 non-refundable fee for each assessment attempt. If you fail, you can retake it up to three times within three months. When you pass, the SOS sends a confirmation email. Send it to info@notaryofamerica.com if using us to apply.

Notarial Definitions

Here are the definitions the state notary laws use for permitted notarial services:

Acknowledgment: A formal declaration made before a notary by someone who signs a document and confirms that the signature is authentic.

Affidavit: A voluntary declaration of facts, written down and affirmed via oath by the declarant (affiant) before a notary.

Affirmation: The act of affirming the truthfulness of a document using an affidavit with an oath or an affirmed affidavit.

Jurat: A certification added to an affidavit or document stating when, where and before whom the affidavit was made.

Oath: A solemn declaration, accompanied by a swearing to God or a revered person or thing, that a statement is true or that one will be bound to a promise. The person taking the oath implicitly invites punishment if the statement is untrue or the promise is broken.

Protest: A written statement made by notaries that, upon presentment for payment or acceptance, a negotiable instrument was neither paid nor accepted.

Verification: A formal declaration where a person swears or affirms the truth of the statements in a document. It is also the statement by a notary that the person appearing before them has been properly identified.

You can also review these helpful resources to prepare for your role:

Complete Your Application Online

When you purchase a surety bond from a provider like Notary of America, the SOS allows the company to submit your notary application on your behalf.

This streamlined registration process requires less effort, as the bonding company submits the form and usually includes the fee with the bond price.

No matter which option you choose, the SOS needs the following information from you:

  • Your full legal name as it will appear on your seal
  • Your Social Security number to help the SOS determine if you are in their database already
  • A driver's license or state-issued identification number
  • An active email address for status updates
  • Your personal or business address (labeled as Home or Public by the SOS)

Note: If you use a business (Public) address, the SOS will share it on their website. Personal (Home) addresses are not listed.

Even if you let a bonding company submit your application, you still need to complete a few final steps using the SOS's online portal. Follow this guide to create an SOS Portal account.

You will receive a confirmation email from the SOS when they receive your bond's proof of purchase and application. Then, you must follow these steps online:

  1. Click the grey Notary tile on the SOS Portal Dashboard.
  2. Click My Submissions and select View Application on the one labeled Pending Submission.
  3. Click Continue Application to review and electronically sign your application.
  4. Review all application information to make sure everything is correct. Click Edit to make any changes if necessary.
  5. Carefully read the Statement of Officer and Execution. Type the exact legal name that you used for your application into the Signature field.
  6. Use the Draw Signature button to use your computer mouse to sign your name in the provided box, then click Save.
  7. Click Next to complete the process and receive another confirmation email.

If you don't finish this process within 90 days, contact us for resubmission.

Download Your Notary Commission

Give the SOS at least two weeks to review your request. You will receive an email notifying you if it was accepted or rejected, along with further instructions. While you wait, you can check your status on your portal account.

Once approved, log in to your portal account and click the Download Commission button. You can only do this once, so make sure you save it in a secure location. You will need to pay a fee for an additional download.

Print your commission certificate and sign it in the presence of an authorized notary. Congratulations, you are now a commissioned notary public!

Get Your Notarization Supplies

Now that you're commissioned, it's time to get the necessary supplies for your four-year appointment. Instead of shopping around for different items, get everything you need in one place!

Notary of America is a state-approved surety bond and notary supplies provider. Our basic Texas notary package includes the required $10,000 surety bond, a customizable self-inking notary stamp for your seal and a frameable certificate.

But that's not all you'll need! Visit the Notary of America supplies store for other helpful materials, such as a print copy of the Texas Notary Handbook, a self-inking acknowledgment stamp or a handy record-keeping journal.

Why You Need Errors and Omissions Insurance

Although not required, we always recommend purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

An E&O policy gives notaries professional liability protection and safeguards against financial loss if they are sued for committing a negligent act or making a mistake, such as failing to properly verify a signer's identity or overlooking a missing signature.

Premiums start at just $40 for $10,000 of coverage. Policies last for the entire four-year term and include no deductible.

Find the right policy today to protect your new notary business!

Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Notary Today!

Whether you're looking for a flexible side gig or a new full-time career, we can help! Use our affordable all-in-one package to simplify the process and start with all the tools you need to succeed.

Get started today!