How to Get a Texas Notary Bond in 2026

What the Texas notary bond is

Texas requires every notary public to carry a $10,000 surety bond for the length of the commission, which is four years. The bond protects the public. If a notary makes a mistake or acts improperly and someone loses money because of it, that person can make a claim against the bond.

The surety company pays a valid claim, then collects that amount back from the notary. That makes the bond a guarantee to the public, not insurance for you. The coverage that protects you is Errors and Omissions (E&O), which is a separate policy. Our guide on the notary bond versus E&O explains the difference.

Who can become a Texas notary

• At least 18 years old
• A resident of Texas
• No final conviction for a felony or for a crime involving moral turpitude
• For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026: completed the state notary education course through the Texas Secretary of State

The steps, in order

1. Complete the state notary education. The course is offered only by the Texas Secretary of State, through its online portal. It costs $20 per attempt and you need 70% to pass. You must finish within 90 days of paying the fee, and your proof of completion has to be dated within one year before you apply. Our notary education guide covers the details.
2. Get your bond. Through Lone Star Notary Bond you pay $45 for the 4-year, $10,000 bond, plus the $21 state application fee, for $66 total. American Surety Company underwrites the bond and files it with the Secretary of State electronically. $5,000 of E&O coverage is included at no additional cost.
3. Review and sign your application. The Secretary of State emails you a link to review and sign your application in its online portal.
4. Get commissioned. Once the state approves your application, your commission certificate is ready to download.
5. Order your seal and record book. Texas requires an official seal and a record of every notarization. Order the seal after your commission is issued, since it shows your notary ID number and commission expiration date. Records now have to be kept for 10 years from the date of each notarization.

What it costs

Mistakes that slow people down

• Buying the bond before finishing the education. Your application has to include proof that you completed the course, so finish it first.
• Letting the course window run out. If you pay the $20 fee and do not finish the course within 90 days, the fee is forfeited.
• Ordering a seal too early. Your seal shows your notary ID number and expiration date, which you get with your commission.
• Notarizing before you are commissioned. You cannot perform any notarial act until the state issues your commission.