How to Become a Notary in Texas
Learn about Texas notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Texas law.
Texas requires notary applicants to complete a mandatory education course approved by the Secretary of State. As of 2026, the Texas Secretary of State has transitioned to an online education program with updated curriculum requirements covering electronic notarization and RON procedures. Applicants must also pass the SOS-administered exam. Notary Mentor is a supplementary study resource only and does not fulfill Texas's state-mandated education or examination requirements.
Texas Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Texas.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Texas Government Code § 406.014 requires notaries to maintain a well-bound book (journal) recording all notarial acts. Required entries include the date of the notarization, the type of act performed,...
Fees & Seals
Texas Government Code § 406.024 sets maximum fees: acknowledgment or proof—$6.00 per signature; administering an oath with certificate and seal—$6.00; all protests—$4.00; depositions—$6.00 per 100 wor...
Key Topics Covered for Texas
Master these essential areas of Texas notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Texas Government Code § 406.016 and Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 121.004, an acknowledgment requires the signer to personally appear before the notary, be positiv...
Journals & Records
Texas Government Code § 406.014 requires notaries to maintain a well-bound book (journal) recording all notarial acts. Required entries include the date of the notarization, the ty...
Identity Verification
Under Texas Government Code § 406.016(a), a notary must identify a signer through personal knowledge or by presentation of a current identification document issued by a federal or ...
RON Specifics
Texas enacted RON provisions under Government Code § 406.101 et seq. (Subchapter C, Online Notarization). Effective with the 2026 SOS online education program changes, Texas has up...
Prohibited Acts
Under Texas Government Code § 406.017 and § 406.020, a notary is prohibited from notarizing a signature if the signer is not in the notary's presence (or connected via approved RON...
Fees & Seals
Texas Government Code § 406.024 sets maximum fees: acknowledgment or proof—$6.00 per signature; administering an oath with certificate and seal—$6.00; all protests—$4.00; depositio...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Texas
Mistakes that Texas notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Using an embossed seal without an accompanying inked rubber stamp, which Texas does not accept as the sole seal.
Failing to register separately as an online notary before performing RON acts, even if already commissioned as a traditional notary.
Charging more than the $25.00 maximum fee for an online notarization or exceeding $6.00 for a traditional acknowledgment.
Using the title 'notario publico' in advertisements without the statutory disclaimer required by Texas Government Code § 406.017.
Not completing the updated 2026 SOS online education program requirements before renewing or applying for a RON endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Texas.
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