As is the case with many individuals, you have a professional or related need to become a notary in Texas. You wonder how to become a notary in Texas. The fact is that Texas established a fairly easy process for becoming a notary public in that state. Provided you meet the very basic requirements associated with becoming a notary in Texas, your application likely can be approved in a very short period of time.

Form 2301

Complete Form 2031, available from the Texas Secretary of State's office. Obtain this form directly from the Secretary of State's Office in the brick and mortar world, located at: Texas Secretary of State Notary Public Registration James E. Rudder Building 1019 Brazos St. Austin, Texas 78701 The form is also available from the Secretary of State's website.

Basic Requirements

Satisfy the basic requirements to become a notary in Texas. A person applying to be a notary in Texas must be 18 years of age and needs to have a clear criminal record in most cases. An individual convicted of a Class C Misdemeanor (or the equivalent in another state) does not need to disclose that fact on the application form. (A Class C charge is a minor misdemeanor.) All other criminal convictions must be disclosed. The Secretary of State's office reviews these convictions on a case-by-case basis to determine whether approval of the application is possible.

Surety Bond

Obtain a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application process. Proof of the surety bond needs to be submitted to the Secretary of State's office in order to obtain final approval of your application to become a notary in Texas. Contact the Secretary of State's office (notary public registration) at 512-463-5705 to obtain suggestions as to where you can find an agent or bonding company that will provide you with the necessary surety bond.

Supplies

Purchase your notary stamp and related supplies from any business office in the state of Texas. There are also mail-order services through which you can order these products. You do need to have a notary stamp before you can certify and verify documents in your capacity as a notary in Texas.

Source:

Texas Secretary of State: FAQs for Notary Publics

Resource:

Texas Secretary of State: Form 2301--Notary Public Application