Texas Notary Requirements Checklist for Notary Services (2026)

Verify you are at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Texas.

These are non-negotiable statutory requirements. Failing to meet either will result in your application being rejected by the Texas Secretary of State.

Confirm you have no felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude.

A clean criminal record is essential for public trust. Any disqualifying conviction will prevent you from obtaining or maintaining a notary commission in Texas.

Complete the Texas Notary Public Application form accurately and thoroughly.

Incomplete or incorrect applications are a leading cause of delays or rejections. Double-check all personal and contact information for accuracy.

Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized insurance company.

A surety bond is legally required by Texas statute to protect the public from financial harm due to notary misconduct. Your application cannot be processed without it.

Submit your application, bond, and required filing fee to the Texas Secretary of State.

The entire application package, including the non-refundable fee, must be submitted together to initiate the review process for your commission.

Receive your official Notary Public commission certificate from the Texas Secretary of State.

This certificate is proof of your legal authority to perform notarial acts. Do not perform any notarizations until you have received and verified its contents.

Obtain an official notary seal (ink stamp or embosser) that meets Texas specifications.

Your notary seal is mandatory for authenticating documents. It must contain specific information like your name, notary public, state of Texas, and commission expiration date.

Purchase a durable, bound notary record book (journal) to document all official acts.

Maintaining a detailed journal is a legal requirement in Texas and serves as your primary defense in case of a dispute or legal challenge regarding a notarization.

Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the Texas Notary Public Handbook.

This handbook is the authoritative guide to Texas notary laws and procedures. Understanding its contents is important for compliant and ethical practice.

Consider obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection.

While not legally required, E&O insurance protects you financially from lawsuits arising from accidental errors or omissions in your notarial duties, offering peace of mind.

Understand the types of notarial acts authorized in Texas (acknowledgments, jurats, etc.).

Performing an unauthorized notarial act can lead to severe penalties. Know precisely what you are legally permitted to do as a Texas Notary Public.

Learn acceptable forms of identification for signers according to Texas law.

Properly identifying signers is your most critical duty to prevent fraud. Misidentifying a signer can have serious legal consequences for all parties involved.

Know the maximum fees you can legally charge for various notarial services in Texas.

Overcharging clients is illegal and can lead to fines or suspension of your commission. Adhere strictly to the state-mandated fee schedule.

Understand prohibited acts for Texas notaries, such as providing legal advice.

As a notary, you are a ministerial officer, not a legal advisor. Engaging in prohibited acts like practicing law can result in commission revocation and legal action.

Study the requirements for notarizing documents for signers who cannot appear in person (if applicable).

While in-person appearance is generally required, Texas has specific rules for certain exceptions or remote notarization. Understanding these is vital for compliance.

Review ethical guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest or improper notarizations.

Maintaining impartiality and avoiding situations where you have a personal stake in the document are fundamental ethical obligations for all Texas notaries.

Complete the separate application to become a Texas Remote Online Notary.

RON authorization requires an additional application and approval process distinct from your traditional notary commission. This ensures you meet specific technological and procedural standards.

Select and contract with a RON technology provider approved by the Texas Secretary of State.

Texas law mandates that RON services are conducted through approved platforms that meet strict security and identity verification standards. Using an unapproved vendor is non-compliant.

Acquire a digital certificate and electronic seal that comply with Texas RON standards.

These digital tools are the electronic equivalent of your ink stamp and signature for online notarizations. They must be secure and issued by a trusted third party.

Understand the specific requirements for identity proofing and credential analysis in RON.

RON identification procedures are more rigorous than traditional notarization, often involving knowledge-based authentication and visual credential analysis to ensure the signer's identity.

Familiarize yourself with the secure storage requirements for RON audio-visual recordings and electronic journals.

RON acts require recording and secure storage of the entire transaction, along with an electronic journal. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and data breaches.