State Information for Texas
Texas Traditional Notary Requirements and Information
Since July 1, 2018, Texas has authorized performance of an “online” notarization by a Texas Notary Public who also holds a separate commission as an Online Notary Public. Notaries Public must understand the differences between these two commissions and the powers associated with each one.
• Traditional Notary Public - The standard Notary Public commission prescribed under Subchapter A of Chapter 406. A Texas Traditional Notary Public may perform notarial acts on paper and electronic documents, but the signer (principal) must always be physically present before the Notary.
• Online Notary Public - The new Notary Public commission created under Subchapter C of Chapter 406, Government Code. An Online Notary Public must also hold a Traditional Notary Public Commission. Thus Online Notaries Public may perform notarial acts on paper and electronic documents for physically-present signers (principals). If the signer is remotely located, an Online Notary Public may notarize an electronic document with the remotely-located signer appearing by use of audio-video conference technology that complies with the requirements of Texas statutes and administrative rules.
Traditional Texas Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
• be at least 18 years old;
• be a resident of Texas (see NOTE below). U.S. citizenship is not required and no specific period of residency is required, but you must maintain residency throughout the term of appointment.;
• not have a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony, and the conviction has become final, has not been set aside, and no pardon or certificate of restoration of citizenship rights has been granted. (See 1 TAC §87.10 for elaboration on crimes involving moral turpitude.)
NOTE: Non-residents living in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisiana, who have qualified as a Texas escrow officer, are also eligible for appointment as a Texas Traditional Notary Public.
How to Apply to Become a Texas Notary
See detailed information including applicable fees, on the website of the Texas Secretary of State: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/statforms.shtml#NPUF
Secretary of State.
Term of Office
4 year term.
Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Not required. The Secretary of State may require a notary who is subject to disciplinary action to complete a notary public course of study. Texas state agencies must require Notaries Without Bond to obtain notary training.
Notary Bond Requirement
$10,000 Bond Required (4-year term)
Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
Recordkeeping in a book, computer or other storage device required, paper and electronic notarial acts performed by a traditional notary public; tangible or electronic format. “Secure electronic record” of electronic notarizations required, online notary public.
Notary Seal Requirement
Ink stamp or embossing seal required. Seal image must be legible and photographically reproducible; indelible ink specified.
Authorized Duties
• Administer oaths/affirmations;
• take acknowledgments and proofs;
• certify copies of certain documents;
• take depositions;
• note protests.
• declare that a paper or tangible copy of an electronic record is a true and correct copy of an electronic record (by means of an executed Declaration of Authenticity); and
• assist in inventory of a safe deposit box
Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the Texas Secretary of State: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/statforms.shtml#NPUF
Contact Information for the State of Texas
State of Texas Notary Website
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/notary-public.shtml
State of Texas Notary FAQs
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs2300.shtml
State of Texas Online Notary Search
https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/notaries/NotarySearch.asp
Phone Number
(512) 463-5705
Mailing Address
Notary Public Unit
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13375
Austin, TX 78711-3375
Apostilles, Certifications and Authentications Information
Phone Number
(512) 463-5705
Further Information
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/authinfo.shtml
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TEXAS NOTARY SUPPLIES:
To order your Texas Notary Stamp, Embossing Seal, Texas Notary Handbook, Recordbook, and all other supplies please CLICK HERE to be taken to the ASN Supply Store. |
Information on this page is provided with the understanding that the user is solely responsible for his/her knowledge of notarial law, procedures and practices. The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice and therefore is provided “as is,” free of warranty of any kind. Last updated February 2025.
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