Texas Notary Bonds
Every traditional Texas notary public needs a $10,000 surety bond to be commissioned. Buy yours online from Lavon Insurance for $50, or add $25,000 of notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself as the notary.
Texas Notary Bond Options
Both options include the $10,000 Texas notary surety bond, which covers your full four-year commission term.
$10,000 Texas Notary Bond: $50
- $10,000 Texas notary surety bond
- Meets the Texas bond requirement
- Covers the four-year commission term
- Apply and buy online
- No E&O coverage for you as the notary
$10,000 Notary Bond + $25,000 E&O
- $10,000 Texas notary surety bond
- $25,000 notary Errors & Omissions insurance
- Protection for you, not just the public
- Apply and buy online
The $10,000 bond satisfies the state requirement, but it protects the public, not you. If the surety pays a claim, you can be required to repay it. Notary E&O insurance can pay for covered claims and legal defense, subject to the policy terms.
What Is a Texas Notary Bond?
A Texas notary bond is a $10,000 surety bond that guarantees you will perform your official duties as a notary public according to Texas law.
Principal
You, the notary public, who must perform notarial acts properly.
Obligee
The State of Texas, which requires the bond to protect the public.
Surety
The licensed bonding company that issues the bond and pays valid claims.
If someone suffers a financial loss because a notary fails to properly perform an official duty, they can make a claim against the bond, up to $10,000. The bond doesn’t protect the notary: if the surety pays a valid claim, the notary is generally required to repay it.
Notary Bond vs. Notary E&O Insurance
| Feature | $10,000 Notary Bond | $25,000 Notary E&O |
|---|---|---|
| Required by Texas? | Yes, for traditional notaries | No, optional |
| Who it protects | The public | You, the notary |
| Who ultimately pays a claim | You repay the surety for valid claims | The insurer, subject to policy terms |
| Legal defense | Not included | Typically included for covered claims |
Texas Notary Public Requirements
To be commissioned as a traditional notary public in Texas, the Texas Secretary of State requires you to meet these qualifications and complete the application through the SOS Notary Portal.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with the Texas Secretary of State.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Texas resident
- Have no felony or crime of moral turpitude convictions
- Complete the state notary education course (required for new and renewing applicants starting January 1, 2026)
- Get a $10,000 surety bond from a Texas licensed bonding company
How to Become a Notary Public in Texas
Follow the Texas Secretary of State’s current traditional notary application process.
Confirm Eligibility
Make sure you meet the age, residency and criminal history requirements.
Complete Notary Education
Complete the required notary education course through the SOS Notary Portal before you apply.
Buy Your $10,000 Bond
Purchase your notary bond online, with or without E&O coverage.
Apply Through the SOS Portal
Submit your application, bond information and fee through the Texas Secretary of State’s Notary Portal.
Take Your Oath
After approval, sign your commission under oath in front of another notary or authorized official.
Get Your Seal & Record Book
Order a compliant Texas notary seal and keep a record book of your notarial acts, as required by state law.
Texas Notary Bond FAQs
How much notary bond does Texas require?
Texas requires a traditional notary public to have a $10,000 surety bond from a Texas licensed bonding company.
How much does a Texas notary bond cost?
The $10,000 bond-only option from Lavon Insurance is $50 and covers your full four-year commission term.
How long does a Texas notary bond last?
The bond covers your four-year notary commission. When you renew your commission, you need a new bond.
Does the notary bond protect me as the notary?
No. The bond protects the public. If the surety pays a valid claim, you are generally required to repay it. Notary E&O insurance is what protects you.
What is notary Errors & Omissions insurance?
Notary E&O insurance is optional coverage that protects the notary against covered claims involving mistakes or alleged negligence, typically including legal defense, subject to the policy’s terms, limits and exclusions.
Which option does Lavon Insurance recommend?
We recommend Option 2, which combines the required $10,000 notary bond with $25,000 of E&O coverage, so you have protection as the notary as well as meeting the state requirement.
Do I have to complete notary education in Texas?
Yes. Starting January 1, 2026, new and renewing traditional notary applicants must complete the state notary education course through the Texas Secretary of State’s Notary Portal before applying.
Where do I apply to become a Texas notary?
Applications are submitted through the Texas Secretary of State’s SOS Notary Portal. The SOS Notary Portal Guide has the current step-by-step instructions.
Do I need a notary stamp and record book?
Yes. Texas notaries must use a compliant notary seal for official acts and keep a record book of their notarial acts as required by state law.
Other Texas Surety Bonds
Public Official Bonds
Bonds for elected and appointed officials in Texas.
Public Official Bonds →License & Compliance Bonds
Bonds required for Texas licenses and permits.
License & Compliance Bonds →All Surety Bonds
Browse every bond type we offer in Texas.
View All Surety Bonds →Choose Your Notary Bond Protection
Get the $10,000 Texas notary bond you need, or choose our recommended option with $25,000 of E&O coverage.
Bond and insurance availability, terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility are subject to the surety or insurance company. This page is general information and is not legal advice.