Notary Public Underwriters Blog
The Office of Notary Public
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- Published: December 4, 2019
The Office of Notary Public FAQs
The following are questions commonly asked by notaries regarding the office of notary public. If you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.
What is the purpose of a Texas notary public?
Are Texas notaries licensed like other professionals?
How do I become a Texas notary public?
How do I renew my Texas notary commission?
If I move, can I transfer my Texas notary commission?
How do I contact the Texas Secretary of State?
I've submitted my Texas notary application. Am I a Texas notary now?
Where may I notarize as a Texas Notary Public?
How long is the term of office for a Texas notary public?
What are the qualifications to become a Texas notary?
Where can I find the rules and regulations for mobile notaries?
What is the difference between a traditional Texas notary and an online Texas notary?
What is the purpose of a Texas notary public?
A Texas notary public is a person of integrity who is appointed to act as an impartial witness to the signing of an important transaction and to perform a notarial act, which validates the transaction. A Texas notary’s primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by requiring the personal presence of the signer and satisfactorily identifying the signer.
Are Texas notaries licensed like other professionals?
No. Notaries are public officers and are commissioned by the Office of the Secretary of State but signed off by the Governor.
How do I become a Texas notary public?
You will need to complete the state required Texas notary application, purchase the required notary bond and Texas notary seal. Click 'Become a Notary' to start your Texas notary application today.
How do I renew my Texas notary commission?
You will need to complete the state required Texas notary application, and purchase the required notary bond and Texas notary seal. The State of Texas does require you to complete the application in full and purchase a new bond every 4 years, even though you are a renewal. Click 'Renew your Commission' to start your Texas notary application today.
If I move, can I transfer my Texas notary commission?
You cannot transfer your Texas notary public commission to another state. Notary commissions are specific to individual states, and notary laws can vary widely between states. If you are moving out of state, you must resign your Texas notary commission and re-apply in your new state.
I obtained my Texas notary commission through my job, do I need to notify the Secretary of State’s office if I leave my current employer?
Yes, you do. According to Texas law, you must provide notification of any changes to your business address or business phone number, as well as your home address or home phone, within 10 days of the change. You will find the appropriate form here. It should be submitted to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or you may mail it to; Notary Public Underwriters, Inc., P.O. Box 7457, Tallahassee, FL 32314. We will forward your changes to the Secretary of State’s office for you.
How do I contact the Texas Secretary of State?
You can reach the Texas Secretary of State by telephone at 512.463.5705 or visit their website at sos.tx.us.
I've submitted my Texas notary application. Am I a Texas notary now?
No. Only the Texas Secretary of State's office can make you an official Texas notary public. As your notary bonding agency, we handle your Texas notary application and manufacture your notary supplies once you are commissioned by the Texas Secretary of State's office.
Where may I notarize as a Texas Notary Public?
You may perform official acts anywhere within the state of Texas. However, you have no authority to act outside the state.
How long is the term of office for a Texas notary public?
The term of office for a Texas notary public is 4 years.
What are the qualifications to become a Texas notary?
—You must be at least 18 years of age or older.
— You must be a legal resident of the State of Texas.
— You must disclose a finding of guilt for any crime (other than a class C Misdemeanor) from any jurisdiction regardless if the case has been appealed. (A criminal conviction is NOT an automatic denial of notary commission.)
— If you are a non-resident living in an adjoining state and have qualified as a Texas escrow agent, you are eligible for appointment as a Texas notary.
— For more information about the qualifications, the application process or the costs, please review the Become a Notary page.
Where can I find the rules and regulations for mobile notaries?
The laws for Texas notaries are the same even if they travel. If you plan to charge miscellaneous expenses associated with providing notarial services, such as time or travel, you should inform your customers prior to the transaction. These fees should be billed separately from the fees for notarial services. Detail the extra fees in an effort to avoid any misunderstandings or complaints of excessive fees.If you need a handbook to review and understand Texas notary law, we offer a Texas Notary Handbook.
What is the difference between a traditional Texas notary and an online Texas notary?
An online Texas notary public is a public servant who is commissioned as a traditional Texas notary public, and who is also commissioned and authorized to perform online notarizations by using two-way video and audio conference technology in accordance with Subchapter C, Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code. Online notaries public must meet the same requirements and qualifications as a “traditional” Texas notary public under Subchapter A of Chapter 406 of the Government Code. In order to become an online notary public, an eligible individual must apply electronically to the Texas Secretary of State through the online electronic commissioning system and pay a $50 application fee. The online electronic commissioning system is available on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. A Texas online notary commission is effective as of the date of qualification and will expire on the same date as the applicant’s corresponding traditional Texas notary public commission. In order for a Texas notary public to perform an online notarization, the notary must be physically located within the boundaries of Texas at the time of notarization. However, the signing party (or principal) may be located anywhere.
Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code §406.109(c), an online Texas notary public may use the online notary public’s electronic signature only for performing online notarizations. If you are performing a notarization for a paper document (face-to-face with a signer who is physically present before you), you would sign the notarial certificate in the traditional manner.