Pay Texas Notary Bond: What It Is & How to Get One
If you’re applying to become a notary in Texas or renewing your commission, a Texas notary bond is an important prerequisite. The state requires every notary to carry a $10,000 surety bond before they can be commissioned, and it stays in place for the full four years you serve.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a renewing notary, or simply trying to understand what the bond does and why it’s mandatory, you’re in the right place. This Superior Notary Services guide walks you through the basics, what a notary bond costs, and how to get one.
Need a few quick answers to your questions? Check out our FAQs below.
What Is a Texas Notary Bond?
A Texas notary bond is a surety bond required by the Texas Secretary of State for anyone who wants to become a commissioned notary public. It legally and financially guarantees that a notary will perform their official duties ethically and in accordance with Texas law.
The most important part to understand is who the notary bond protects: It serves as insurance for the public, not the notary.
If a notary makes an error, whether intentional or accidental, that causes someone financial harm, the injured party can file a claim against the bond for up to $10,000. If the claim is valid, the surety company pays it out, and the notary is then required to reimburse the surety for the full amount.
People often get confused about the difference between a notary bond and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. They are not the same thing. The bond solely safeguards the public, while E&O insurance is optional coverage that protects you, the notary, from out-of-pocket costs if a claim arises. Many Texas notaries choose to carry both.
How to Get Your Texas Notary Bond
Getting your bond involves just a few simple steps, and then you’ll be set to submit your notary application:
- Confirm your eligibility: You must be at least 18 years of age, a Texas resident, and free of disqualifying criminal history (the Office of the Secretary of State runs background checks on all notary applicants).
- Complete the required education course: As of 2026, this $20 course is mandatory for new and renewing notary applicants and only takes about two hours to complete.
- Purchase your $10,000 notary bond: Bonds are issued by licensed surety and insurance providers. Because the bond amount is modest, most providers issue them quickly and at a low cost of $50 for Texas applicants.
- File your application and surety bond with the Texas Secretary of State: Submit your completed application, proof of your bond, and your fees through the SOS portal.
- Receive your notary commission: Once approved, you must sign your Notary Public Commission under oath in the presence of a notary public or authorized official. Then you are officially commissioned for four years.
- Order your seal and purchase your mandatory record book: All that’s left is to order your official notary seal and record book to begin work. If you join our notary network at Superior Notary Services, we also require all notaries to purchase a $1,000,000 errors & omissions insurance policy.
In most cases, your total out-of-pocket cost to become a traditional Texas notary lands right around $91, covering the education course, the application fee, and the bond premium. Online notaries pay a bit more (approximately $120) due to a higher application fee.
If you decide to also carry an extensive E&O policy—and we highly recommend it—these typically cost a few hundred dollars per year, depending on the provider.
Put Your Texas Notary Commission to Work
Once you’re commissioned, the next step is finding steady work.
Superior Notary Services operates a nationwide affiliate network of 50,000+ professional notaries serving clients across the country, including individuals, law firms, title companies, and corporate clients. Joining puts signing opportunities within reach without the overhead of finding and managing your own clients.
If you’re a commissioned notary ready to grow your business, we’d love to have you on board!
FAQs About Notary Bonds for Texas Notaries
Is a notary bond required in Texas?
Yes. Texas law requires every notary public to obtain and maintain a $10,000 surety bond for the full four-year term of their commission. You cannot be commissioned without one.
Where can I get a Texas notary bond?
Notary bonds are issued by licensed surety and insurance providers authorized to do business in Texas. Many offer instant online issuance. Whichever provider you choose, you’ll file proof of the bond with the Texas Secretary of State as part of your application.
How much does a Texas notary bond cost?
The bond itself is for $10,000, but that’s the coverage amount, not what you pay. A Texas notary bond generally costs $50 for a full, four-year term. Factoring in the standard application fee and the 2026 education course, most new traditional notaries spend around $91 total.
How long does a Texas notary bond last?
Four years. The bond runs concurrently with your notary commission, so it stays in effect for your entire term.
Does the bond protect me or the public?
The public. A notary bond is a financial safeguard for anyone who might be harmed by a notary’s error or misconduct. Common mistakes include:
- Failing to properly verify a signer’s ID
- Missing a required acknowledgment or oath
- Misdating a document
- Disregarding a required signature
- Forgetting to apply the notarial seal
A bond does not protect you personally, which is why some notaries also carry E&O insurance. If and when an honest mistake happens, especially in high-risk environments, this extra coverage keeps you from having to cover legal defense fees and/or settlement costs.
Do I need a bond to renew my Texas notary commission?
Yes. You’ll need a new $10,000 bond each time you renew. In Texas, renewing is the same process as applying for the first time: You’ll submit a new application, a new bond, and complete the mandatory education course again. You can begin up to 90 days before your commission expires. It’s worth renewing on time, because once your commission lapses, you must stop notarizing until a new one is issued.
What’s the difference between a notary bond and E&O insurance?
A notary bond protects the public and is required by the state. E&O insurance is optional and protects you, the notary, from the personal costs of defending or settling a claim. The bond benefits others, while the insurance benefits you.
What happens if a claim is filed against my notary bond?
If someone files a valid claim showing they were financially harmed by your error or misconduct, the surety company pays the claim, up to the $10,000 limit. You are then responsible for repaying the surety the full amount, since the bond protects the public rather than you.
This is exactly where errors and omissions (E&O) insurance helps: If you carry it, your policy can cover that repayment to the surety, along with related legal defense costs. Then the expense doesn’t come out of your own pocket. Keep in mind that E&O applies to honest mistakes and negligence, not intentional fraud or criminal acts.
Is a credit check required for a Texas notary bond?
Typically, no. Because the bond amount is relatively low, most providers issue Texas notary bonds without a credit check or underwriting, often instantly. Requirements can vary slightly by provider.
What documents do I need to apply for a Texas notary bond?
For the bond itself, you don’t need much. Surety providers typically just ask for your full legal name, address, driver’s license number, and date of birth.
The one thing to get right is your name: It must match exactly what you submit on your Secretary of State application, since a mismatch is a common reason bonds get rejected. Once issued, you’ll file the bond certificate with the state as part of your notary application.
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