Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$21
Issuing Authority
Texas Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Texas distinctive
- Texas permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Texas's $21 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
- Texas requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Texas authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Texas authorized RON since July 1, 2018 (early adopter)
- SB 693 (effective Sept 1, 2025): New criminal penalties for notarizing without personal appearance
- SB 693: 10-year record retention requirement (up from 3 years)
- SB 693: Expanded grounds for revocation including failure to maintain records
- SB 693: Education requirements (max 2 hours) for new and renewing notaries starting Sept 1, 2025
Regulatory Authority
Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
TX Gov Code § 406.001 et seq.
Notary Public - General Provisions
Primary statutory authority for Texas notaries
TX Gov Code § 406.016
Powers and Duties of Notary Public
Defines scope of authority: acknowledgments, protests, oaths, depositions
TX Gov Code § 406.101 et seq.
Online Notarization
Remote online notarization authorization and requirements
TX Admin Code Title 1, Chapter 87
Standards for Online Notarization
Identity proofing, credential analysis, and RON platform requirements
TX Gov Code § 121.001 et seq.
Acknowledgments and Proofs
Requirements for acknowledgments and certificate forms
HB 255 (88th Legislature)
Notary Fee Increases
Raised maximum fees from $6 to $10 per signature (effective Sept 1, 2023)
SB 693 (89th Legislature)
Notary Criminal Penalties and Requirements
Criminal penalties for notarizing without personal appearance, 10-year retention, education requirements (effective Sept 1, 2025)
TX Bus & Com Code § 3.505
Protest of Negotiable Instruments
Authority for protests of dishonored negotiable instruments
TX Gov Code § 406.017
SB 693 - Criminal Penalties for Improper Notarization
Establishes criminal penalties for notarizing without personal appearance, effective September 1, 2025
TX Gov Code § 406.101 et seq.
HB 4202 - Online Notarization Amendments
Amendments to online notarization procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Texas?
A Texas notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Texas?
Texas charges $21 as the application fee to the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Texas require a notary bond?
Yes. Texas requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Texas?
Yes. Texas notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section.
Can Texas notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Texas authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Texas notaries use?
Texas notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Texas cap notary fees?
Yes. Texas sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Statutory maximum fees apply per HB 255 (effective Sept 1, 2023)
Who regulates notaries in Texas?
Texas notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Texas authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Texas authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Texas notaries perform?
Texas notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Texas?
Start your application through the Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Section.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
Get the Full Texas Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.