Get Your $10,000 Texas Bond
From ~$50 for 4 years • Instant approval
Texas Notary Bond~$91 Total to Get Commissioned
The $10,000 surety bond required by Texas Government Code §406.010 is just one piece. Your real out-of-pocket to become a commissioned Texas notary is about $91 — and we break down every dollar below. New for 2026: mandatory education under SB 693. Learn how to get a surety bond if this is your first time.
You don't pay until your notary bond is issued
No credit check required. Instant approval for most applicants.
Senate Bill 693: Mandatory Education
For the first time in Texas history, notary applicants must now complete an education course. Senate Bill 693 (89th Texas Legislature) took effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.
Notaries commissioned before September 1, 2025 are not retroactively required to complete education for their existing commissions. Learn more about notary requirements across all states at our notary bond requirements guide.
Texas vs. Other States
Texas was one of the last states to adopt mandatory notary education. Compare neighboring states:
What Does It Actually Cost to Become a Texas Notary?
Every competitor quotes the bond price alone. Here's the complete picture — every fee you'll pay, broken down by notary type. For a deeper dive on how surety bond pricing works across all bond types, see our surety bond cost guide. Use the notary bond calculator for a personalized estimate.
| Fee | Traditional | Online / RON | State Employee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education course (SB 693) | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Application fee (Form 2301) | $21 | $50 | $11 |
| $10,000 surety bond premium | ~$50 | ~$50 | $0 (SORM-203) |
| Total | ~$91 | ~$120 | $31 |
Bond premium is market-set by surety providers, not regulated by statute. Prices shown are typical for applicants with good credit. Your cost may differ based on credit profile. See the credit tier breakdown below. Texas professionals can explore all bond options at BuySuretyBonds.com.
Three Ways to Become a Texas Notary
Texas has three distinct notary paths with different fees, bond requirements, and capabilities. All three require the new SB 693 education course. Understanding what a surety bond is helps clarify why the bond amounts differ. Compare bond vs. insurance to understand what coverage you actually get.
Traditional Notary
In-person document notarization
Filed via Form 2301 through the SOS Notary Portal. Notarize paper documents for signers physically present.
Online Notary (RON)
Remote via audio-video
Must be commissioned as traditional notary first. Filed via Form 2301ON. Requires secure two-way audio-video platform.
State Employee Notary
Agency-only notarization
State agency covers bond obligation via SORM-203 acknowledgment and Interagency Voucher. Notarizes only for their agency.
Texas professionals who also need a Texas auto dealer bond or Texas contractor license bond can apply for multiple bonds through our system. Browse all surety bond types. See notary bond costs by state.
Texas Notary Bond Premium by Credit Score
Based on a $10,000 bond amount
- Excellent (720+)Rate: 1-2%$25-50
- Good (660-719)Rate: 2-3%$50-75
- Fair (600-659)Rate: 3-5%$75-125
- Below Average (500-599)Rate: 5-8%$125-200
- Poor (below 500)Rate: 8-15%$200-375
Premium covers the full 4-year commission period, not annual. Most Texas notary applicants fall in the Excellent-Good range and pay $25-75 total.
Need a quick estimate? Try our notary bond calculator. Compare bond vs. cash deposit options.
Official Texas Requirements
"Each person to be appointed a notary public shall, before entering the official duties of office, execute a bond in the amount of $10,000 with a solvent surety company authorized to do business in this state, payable to the Governor."Texas Secretary of State • Texas Government Code §406.010
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Get Your Bond NowWhat Can Texas Notaries Charge?
Texas Government Code §406.024 sets maximum notarial fees. These were increased effective September 1, 2023 via House Bill 255 (88th Legislature) — the first fee increase since the original amounts were set.
Current Maximum Fees (Sep 2023+)
Fee Adjustment Mechanism
The Secretary of State adjusts maximum notary fees every 5 years using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The next adjustment will apply no later than 2028.
Overcharging Warning
Charging more than the statutory maximum is a criminal offense under §406.024. The Secretary of State may also suspend or revoke your commission. Track your fees carefully.
Eligibility Requirements (§406.004)
You Qualify If
- At least 18 years old
- Texas resident
- No felony convictions
- No convictions involving moral turpitude
- Completed SB 693 education course
Important Exceptions
§406.009(e) — Dismissed cases: A finding that is dismissed before adjudication or set aside does NOT count as a conviction. If your case was dismissed or deferred, you may still qualify.
Background checks: The Secretary of State conducts random background investigations. Not every applicant is checked, but disclosure of any criminal history on your application is required. Understand the difference between a surety bond and insurance — the bond protects the public from your errors, not the other way around. You may also want to understand bonds vs. cash deposits.
Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
Your $10,000 Texas notary bond protects the public — not you. If a claim is paid, the surety company will seek full reimbursement from you personally. Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, by contrast, protects you from the financial consequences of mistakes, covering defense costs and settlements up to the policy limit. Texas does not require E&O for traditional notaries, but it is strongly recommended for anyone notarizing high-value transactions. Learn more in our bond vs. insurance guide.
How to File Your Texas Notary Bond
Since January 21, 2025, the SOS Notary Portal is the exclusive filing method for Texas residents. The old paper process is no longer available except by special request.
Complete SB 693 Education
Log into the SOS Notary Portal (webservices.sos.state.tx.us) and complete the up-to-2-hour course. Cost: $20.
Purchase Your $10,000 Bond
Get instant approval through BuySuretyBonds.com. Download Form 2301-B with your bond certificate. No credit check for most applicants.
Submit Application Online
Upload Form 2301-B and your application (Form 2301 for traditional, Form 2301ON for online) through the portal. Pay $21 (traditional) or $50 (online).
Take Oath of Office
After your commission is approved, take your oath before a notary public or other authorized official. You cannot self-execute the oath.
Begin Notarizing
Your 4-year commission begins on the date specified. File a change of address within 30 days if you move. There is no grace period for expired commissions.
Paper applications: Contact the SOS at 512-463-5705 or email for a hardship exception. Mailing address: Secretary of State, Statutory Filings Division, P.O. Box 13550, Austin, TX 78711-3550.
Not familiar with how the bond process works? Read how to get a surety bond for a step-by-step overview, or see notary bond requirements by state for a multi-state comparison. Check surety bond requirements for all bond types.
Texas Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a Texas notary in 2026?
The total cost is approximately $91 for traditional notaries: $20 education course (SOS-provided per SB 693), $21 application fee, and ~$50 bond premium for the $10,000 surety bond required by Texas Government Code §406.010. Online notaries pay $120 total ($50 application fee instead of $21). State employees pay only $31 ($11 application, $20 education, no bond needed — covered by SORM-203).
What changed with Texas Senate Bill 693?
SB 693 (89th Texas Legislature, effective September 1, 2025) requires all notary applicants submitting on or after January 1, 2026 to complete a Secretary of State-provided education course of up to 2 hours. The $20 course fee is non-refundable. This applies to both new and renewal applicants. Private education vendors are not authorized — only the SOS course qualifies per Government Code §406.008(b).
Do online notaries in Texas need a separate bond?
No. The same $10,000 surety bond required by §406.010 covers both traditional and online (remote) notarizations. However, online notaries pay a higher application fee ($50 vs $21) and must obtain an X.509 digital certificate and electronic seal from a third-party provider, plus use a secure two-way audio-video platform.
What fees can Texas notaries charge per act?
Texas Government Code §406.024 sets maximum fees: $10 per acknowledgment (first signature), $1 each additional signature, $10 for oaths/affirmations with certificate and seal, $10 for certificates under seal, and $1 per page for copies. These rates were increased from $6 effective September 1, 2023 via House Bill 255 (88th Legislature). The SOS adjusts fees every 5 years using the Consumer Price Index.
Can I be a Texas notary with a criminal record?
Texas Government Code §406.004 disqualifies applicants convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. However, §406.009(e) specifies that dismissed-before-adjudication findings and set-aside findings do NOT count as convictions. The Secretary of State conducts random background investigations on applicants.
Where do I file my Texas notary bond?
Upload your completed Form 2301-B through the SOS Notary Portal at webservices.sos.state.tx.us. Since January 21, 2025, this portal is the exclusive filing method for Texas residents. Paper applications are available only by special request (call 512-463-5705 or email the SOS office).
How long does a Texas notary commission last?
Texas notary commissions are valid for 4 years. There is no grace period for late renewals — if your commission lapses, you cannot perform notarizations until a new commission is issued and you have taken the oath of office. Plan to renew up to 90 days before expiration.
How much is a notary bond in Texas?
The $10,000 Texas notary bond costs approximately $50 for the full 4-year commission term. This is a one-time premium, not an annual fee. No credit check is required for most applicants, and you pay nothing until your bond is issued. Total out-of-pocket to become a Texas notary is approximately $91 including the $21 application fee and $20 SOS education course. See our surety bond cost guide at /surety-bond-cost/.
How do I get a notary bond in Texas?
Purchase your $10,000 bond online through a licensed surety provider like BuySuretyBonds.com for instant approval. After receiving your bond, upload the completed Form 2301-B through the SOS Notary Portal at webservices.sos.state.tx.us. Since January 2025, this portal is the exclusive filing method for Texas residents. The entire bond purchase takes just minutes.
Have more questions about surety bonds in general? Visit our learning center, read what is a surety bond, or browse the surety bond glossary. Compare state requirements on our notary bonds hub. See types of surety bonds and auto dealer bonds.
Official Texas Notary Sources
Further reading: BuySuretyBonds.com • all state notary bonds • notary bond costs by state • surety bond glossary • surety bond learning center • types of surety bonds • 2025–2026 state bond law changes • contractor license bonds • freight broker bonds
Texas Secretary of State — Notary
Official requirements, forms, FAQs
Government Code Chapter 406
Full statutory text for notary bonds, fees, eligibility
SB 693 Bill Text
89th Legislature education mandate
HB 255 — Fee Increase
September 2023 fee schedule changes
SOS Notary Portal
Online applications, education, bond filing
U.S. Treasury Surety Bonds
Certified surety companies list
Other Texas Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Texas
Start Your Texas Notary Commission
$10,000 bond • Instant approval • ~$91 total to get commissioned