Are you becoming a new Texas notary or renewing your commission?
If you’ll be seeing signers in person and working exclusively with paper documents, our Traditional Notary Package is perfect for you. It includes everything you need for traditional notarizations.
Need assistance with your application or renewal? We can help with that too! While it’s optional, this support can make the process much easier for you.
The Traditional Notary Package includes all the essential supplies to kickstart your notary career.
Notary Bond
ReNew Notary
Online Notary
The traditional notary package includes all needed Texas notary supplies for in-person paper documents, notarization, and optional services to streamline the process.
Before completing the application form, anyone applying to become a notary or renew their notary commission in Texas must first purchase a Texas Notary Public Surety Bond from a bonding company licensed in the state. The bond must provide $10,000 in coverage and remain valid for four years. This bond is included with the Traditional Notary Package.
In Texas, all notarized paper documents must include a wet-ink notary stamp that meets specific state requirements for size and content. Each stamp is uniquely made for the notary and includes key details like the notary’s name and commission info. The required stamp is provided as part of the Traditional Notary Package.
In Texas, notaries are required to record every notarization in a record book, even if no fee is collected. Each entry must include the signer’s information, document details, date, and other necessary data. A lightweight, softcover notary recordkeeping book is included in the Traditional Notary Package for easy, compliant recordkeeping.
A Texas notary commission is valid for four years. To avoid a lapse, you should apply for renewal 90 days before your current commission expires. The renewal process has the same requirements as a new commission but ensures continuity. Renewal is optional and not included in the Traditional Notary Package.
To become a Texas notary or renew a commission, an application is required. You can apply on your own, which usually takes around 4 weeks. Alternatively, authorized bond companies like TXNotaryForm.com offer expedited processing in under a week. This service is optional and not included in the Traditional Notary Package.
What is it? A PFX file is an encrypted computer file used to digitally sign documents such as PDFs and DOCX files. On a PC, it appears as an envelope with a key; on a Mac, as a certificate icon. You cannot open it to view content directly. The X.509 digital certificate is not included and not optional in the Traditional Notary Package.
An electronic notary seal, or e-seal, is the digital version of a traditional notary stamp. It functions like a scanned image of a wet-ink stamp and is used for electronic notarizations, including remote online notarization. The e-seal is not included and not optional in the Traditional Notary Package.
The Texas Secretary of State does not require Texas notaries to carry Errors and Omissions Insurance. However, if a claim is made against your Notary Bond, you must reimburse the Surety company. This insurance protects your finances in such cases. It is not included and not optional in the Traditional Notary Package.
Texas has just three basic requirements to become a traditional notary: you must be at least 18 years old, reside or work in Texas, and have no criminal convictions. If you meet these criteria, you're eligible to apply. The next step is purchasing a Texas Notary Surety Bond from a licensed Texas bond company—this is where TXNotaryForm.com can assist you. Traditional notaries are only authorized to perform notarizations in person, meaning you must meet signers face-to-face. If your goal is to notarize only paper documents during in-person meetings, the Traditional Notary Package is the ideal choice. It includes the mandatory Notary Bond along with essential notary supplies like a notary stamp and a recordkeeping book to help you stay organized and compliant.
The first step to becoming an online notary public in Texas is to become a traditional notary. Only commissioned Texas notaries are eligible to apply for an online notary commission. Before applying, you must obtain a Digital Certificate X.509 and an electronic notary seal, and set up the necessary software for digital signing. Both the Traditional and Online Notary Packages include these required digital notary files, along with a step-by-step video guide, detailed instructions on downloading and installing free digital signing software, and guidance on preparing your computer. These resources help ensure a smooth application process for your online notary commission, allowing you to perform remote online notarizations legally and efficiently.
The traditional notary commission is the first commission you need to obtain in order to start notarizing documents in Texas. It authorizes you to meet with signers in person for each notarization. This means you must physically meet the person whose signature you're notarizing, whether you're witnessing them sign or taking a sworn statement. In-person interaction is required every time. With a traditional notary commission, you can notarize both paper (tangible) documents and electronic documents saved on a computer. Even for electronic documents, you and the signer must be physically present together. When notarizing digital files in person, you’ll need an electronic notary seal instead of the traditional ink stamp.
If you're a commissioned Texas notary public, you can apply to become an online notary—an upgrade to your traditional commission. Online notaries are authorized to meet with clients via video calls using platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet. You must see, hear, and record each notarization session. Although the signer must still appear before you, this can now be done remotely. Online notaries can perform Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing them to notarize digital documents using an x.509 digital certificate and electronic seal. They can also notarize physical documents by witnessing the signing on video, receiving the originals by mail, and completing the process using a traditional ink stamp and signature.
When it’s time to apply for a new or renewed notary commission, TXNotaryForm.com is here to make the process smooth and stress-free, guiding you through each step with confidence and ease.
If you plan to notarize signers in person, the Traditional Notary Package includes all essential supplies. For remote notarization via video call, the Traditional + Online Notary Package has everything you need. If you're new to the process, the Premium Notary Package is recommended, as it provides added coverage to help protect your finances from potential claims.
After successful payment, you’ll get an email with a unique link to complete the required information to begin the process. If you're assisting someone else, simply forward the email to the future notary. Once the form is submitted, the Texas Notary Bond will be issued, and you’ll receive step-by-step instructions based on how you choose to apply.
In 3–28 days—depending on your chosen application method (3 days if done on your behalf, 28 days if done yourself; time may vary based on the Secretary of State)—your notary commission will be issued. New notary supplies are then produced and shipped within 2 days. For online commissions, you’ll receive video guidance on setup, using your digital certificate, and applying.
still you have any questions? contact our team via info@txnotaryform.com