Texas notary public
Exam requiredWhat it takes to become a notary public in Texas, from the state's official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- Texas Secretary of State (state-provided online course; no third-party vendor)
- Commission term
- 4 years
- Surety bond
- $10,000
- Notes
- Major recent change: prior to 2026 Texas required NO education or exam. SB693 (effective 1/1/2026) now mandates a state-provided 2-hour education course plus a 20-question assessment, 70% (14/20) passing, for all new and renewing traditional notary applicants. Notaries commissioned before 9/1/2025 are grandfathered until renewal. Online/electronic notaries have separate certificate/seal requirements instead of a bond.
Some Texas details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commissioning authority before you rely on them.
Preparing to be a Texas notary
Texas requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Texas statute on top of the core.
Start the Notary course →Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Texas commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.