How to Become a Notary Public in Texas

 

If you want to become a Notary Public in Texas, you'll be happy to know that there are currently no education, experience or exam requirement!

 

You do, however, have to meet the eligibility requirements, file an application, pay the necessary fees and meet all other requirements set by the Texas Secretary of State.

Once you have been appointed by the State, you are considered to be a public servant and are required to carry out your obligations.

 

Here's what you need to know to become a notary public in Texas:

1) Requirements in Texas

2) Duties of a Notary Public

3) Notary Public Classes and Schools in Texas

 

How to Become a Notary Public in Texas

 

1) Requirements in Texas

 

To be eligible for a notary public appointment, you must:

  1. Satisfy the minimum requirements set by the Texas Secretary of State:
  1. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond
  2. Complete and file the application form.
  3. Purchase a required record book - To record all official acts performed as a notary public in Texas
  4. Purchase an official seal which can legibly reproduce under photographic methods the essential elements of the seal. The seal must clearly show the words "Notary Public, State of Texas" around a star of five points, the notary public's name, and the date the notary public's commission expires. The seal may be a circular form not more than 2 inches in diameter or a rectangular form not more than 1 inch in width and 2½ inches in length. The seal must have a serrated or milled edge border.

The term of office of a Notary Public in Texas is 4 years.

An appointed notary public can provide services throughout the state.

 

2) Duties of Notary Publics

A notary public's main job is to administer oaths and to witness the signing of important documents.

Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure that they are properly executed.

Requiring a third party impartial witness helps to screen out impostors and to make sure the signers are entering into the agreements knowingly and willingly.

 

The list of duties include:

 

A notary cannot provide the service when he/she is a part of the transaction or will financially benefit from the transaction.

 

 

3) Notary Public Classes in Texas

Since there is no education requirement, you won't have to take any classes to become a notary in Texas.

But if this is a new career for you, there are  notary educational seminars you could take that might be helpful.

Below are some of the schools that offer these notary public educational seminars in Texas:

American Association of Notaries

P.O. Box 630601

Houston, TX 77263

(800) 721-2663

 

American Society of Notaries

P.O. Box 5707

Tallahassee, FL 32314-5707

(800) 522-3392

 

Atkinson Brothers Agency

P.O. Box 271989

Houston, Texas 77211

(800) 929-6093

 

Austin Community College

5930 Middle Fiskville Road

Austin, TX 78752

(512) 223-7542

 

Houston Community College

CT/CE - Central

3100 Main, Suite 200

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 718-5304

 

The Lovett Agency

2008 Harold Street

Houston, TX 77098

(713) 942-2256

 

National Notary Association-Texas

815-A Brazos, Suite 183

Austin, TX 78701-2502

(800) 896-6827 (800-TX-NOTARY)

 

Notary Bonding Corporation of Texas, Inc.

5114 Balcones Wood Drive, Ste. 307

Austin, TX 78759-5212

(800) 422-1555

 

Notary Law Institute

213 North Fairway Road

North Salt Lake, Utah 84054

(800) 722-8708

 

Notary Public Underwriters Agency of Texas

P.O. Box 140106

Austin, TX 78714-0106

(800) 821-0822

 

RLI Surety

909 Lake Carolyn Pkwy, Suite 800

Irving, TX 75039

281-794-8798

 

State Notary Commission

P.O. Box 10141

Austin, TX 78766

(512) 497-2253

 

Texas Notary Applications & Renewals

P.O. Box 2010

Rowlett, TX 75030-2010

(972) 412-3199

 

Texas Notary Public Association

P.O. Box 26865

Austin, TX 78755

(800) 226-7428

 

Texas State Notary Bureau

P.O. Box 2959

Austin, TX 78768-2959

(512) 443-9202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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