HOW TO BECOME A TEXAS NOTARY PUBLIC Eligibility Requirements • Be a Texas Resident. • Be at least 18 years old. • Have no felony convictions, nor convictions involving moral turpitude—unless they’ve been legally dismissed or discharged The Office runs background checks on all notary applicants. Application Overview 1. Submit an online application https://www.mybondapp.com/21918 and additional instructions will be email to you. 2. Obtain a $10,000 surety bond good for your 4 year term. 3. Pay the state filing fee—currently $21 4. Purchase notary supplies: • A seal or stamp meeting state specs (must say “Notary Public, State of Texas” around a five point star, include your name, notary ID, and commission expiry) (sos.state.tx.us). • A notary record book/journal. 5. Create an account with the Dept of State, Texas 6. Sign your commission—after approval, download your commission and have another commissioned Texas notary administer your oath and seal it. Education & Training The following educational materials are provided to you in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §406.008(b). https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/edinfo.shtml •Not required by law—no course or exam mandated. •However, the state provides educational materials, and taking a course is highly recommended to understand your duties Sample forms: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/forms/edinf o-sample-forms-9-19.pdf Term & Obligations •Your commission lasts 4 years.