What You Need to Become a Notary in Texas
A Texas notary license is issued by the Texas Secretary of State and allows you to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents. Unlike a driver's license, there is no single process form — instead, you complete a notary process through the Secretary of State's office, pass a written exam, and submit fingerprints for a background check. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from submission to receiving your commission.
Texas does not require you to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary. You can be self-employed, retired, or employed elsewhere. The state does require you to be at least 18 years old, a Texas resident, and able to read and write English. You will also need to pass a criminal background check — felony convictions and certain misdemeanors can disqualify you.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written exam administered by an approved testing vendor and submit your process to the Texas Secretary of State within 30 days of passing.
- The process fee is $50, and your commission lasts four years before you must renew.
- You will need to provide fingerprints for a background check, which you can submit at any Texas Department of Public Safety office or through an approved vendor.
- Once commissioned, you are required to obtain a notary journal and keep a record of every notarization you perform.
Step 1: Take and Pass the Notary Exam
Before you can submit an process, you must pass the Texas notary exam. The exam is administered by approved testing vendors, not by the Secretary of State directly. You can find the list of approved vendors on the Secretary of State website under "Notary Public Information." Common vendors include Pearson VUE and PSI, both of which offer testing at locations across Texas.
The exam covers Texas notary law, your duties and limitations, and how to handle common notarization scenarios. You do not need to study a specific textbook — the Secretary of State publishes a free Notary Public Handbook that covers everything tested. Most people spend one to two weeks reviewing the handbook before testing. When you pass, the testing vendor will give you a passing certificate with a date. You have 30 days from that date to submit your process to the Secretary of State.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Information
Before you explore, collect the documents and information the Secretary of State requires. You will need your Texas driver's license or state ID number, your Social Security number, and your current mailing address. Have your passing exam certificate from the testing vendor ready — you will reference the date and vendor name on your process.
You will also need to decide whether you want to be bonded and insured. Texas does not require notary bonds or errors and omissions insurance, but many employers and clients request it. If you plan to work as a notary, bonding is often expected. A notary bond typically costs $50 to $150 for a four-year term and protects clients if you make a mistake. You do not need the bond before you explore, but you should have it before you perform notarizations professionally.
Step 3: Submit Your process to the Secretary of State
Submit your notary process online through the Texas Secretary of State's website. The process asks for your personal information, your exam passing date and vendor name, and whether you have any criminal convictions. You will pay the $50 process fee by credit or debit card at the time of submission. Keep your confirmation number — you will need it to track your process status.
The Secretary of State will send you an email within a few business days with instructions for submitting your fingerprints. Do not wait for this email to schedule your fingerprint appointment — you can go to any Texas Department of Public Safety office or approved fingerprint vendor when ready after submitting your process. Fingerprints must be submitted within 30 days of your process date, or your process will be denied.
Step 4: Submit Your Fingerprints for the Background Check
Visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office or an approved fingerprint vendor to have your fingerprints taken and submitted electronically to the Secretary of State. Bring your driver's license or state ID. The fingerprint process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing at a DPS office. If you use a private vendor, there may be a small fee, usually $10 to $25.
The Secretary of State will conduct a criminal background check using your fingerprints. This check typically completes within two to three weeks. If you have no disqualifying criminal history, the Secretary of State will approve your process and mail your notary commission certificate to your address on file. If there is a problem with your background check or fingerprints, the Secretary of State will contact you by email or phone.
Step 5: Obtain Your Notary Journal and Seal
Once you receive your commission certificate, you must purchase a notary journal before you perform any notarizations. The journal is a bound record where you document every notarization — the date, the type of notarization, the signer's name and ID type, and the document title. Texas law requires you to keep this journal for at least five years after your commission expires.
You will also need a notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser). The seal imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date on documents. You can order both the journal and seal from office supply stores, online retailers, or notary supply companies. Your commission certificate will show your commission number, which you need to include on the seal. The journal and seal together typically cost $30 to $80.
Step 6: Renew Your Commission Every Four Years
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. About 60 days before your expiration date, the Secretary of State will send you a renewal notice by mail. To renew, you must pass the notary exam again and submit a renewal process with the same $50 fee. You do not need to resubmit fingerprints unless the Secretary of State requests them.
If you miss the renewal important date, your commission expires and you can no longer perform notarizations. You would have to start over with the exam and a new process. It is easier to renew on time — set a reminder on your calendar when you receive your commission certificate so you do not forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a notary while my process is being processed?
No. You can only perform notarizations after you have received your commission certificate from the Secretary of State. Working as a notary before you are commissioned is illegal in Texas and can result in criminal charges.
What disqualifies you from becoming a notary in Texas?
Felony convictions disqualify you permanently. Certain misdemeanors — including crimes of dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude — also disqualify you. The Secretary of State reviews your background check results and will notify you if you are ineligible. You can request a review if you believe the decision is incorrect.
Do I need to work for a company to be a notary?
No. You can be an independent notary or work for yourself. Many notaries are self-employed and advertise their services locally. Some work part-time while employed elsewhere. Texas does not require you to have an employer or business license to hold a notary commission.
What happens if I make a mistake during a notarization?
If you make an error, you should document it in your journal and note what went wrong. This is why notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance are important — they protect you and the client if a mistake causes financial loss. The Secretary of State can also investigate complaints about your notarizations.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Texas law sets a maximum fee of $6 per notarial act. You can charge less, but not more. Some notaries charge $5 or $6 per signature, while others offer package rates for multiple signatures on the same document. Keep records of what you charge so you can prove you stayed within the legal limit.