Notary Public
- Commissioned notaries may now apply to be commissioned as an Online Notary Public. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an online notary public, visit our webpage on Getting Started as an Online Notary Public.
- IMPORTANT: Online notary commissions expire on the same date traditional notary commissions expire. Notaries holding both online and traditional commissions must renew each commission separately. Renewing your traditional commission does not automatically renew your online commission.
- Haven’t received your commission? Unable to locate your commission? Unable to open the commission PDF? Request a replacement commission online!
Other Available Services
General Notary Information
E-commissions are now available. By providing your email address on your application for Appointment as a Texas Notary Public your commission will be emailed to you resulting in faster receipt than if sent by mail. E-commissions also have a fresh new look. Samples of the notary commissions issued by the secretary of state are available for review.
Notaries public are governed primarily by Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code and the secretary of state’s administrative rules found in Title 1, Chapter 87 of the Texas Administrative Code. Other statutes, such as Chapter 121 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, also govern certain notary conduct.
The secretary of state commissions notaries public and has the authority to discipline notaries, including suspension or revocation of commission, for good cause. For information on filing a complaint against a Texas notary public with the secretary of state, see our FAQs Relating to Notary Public Complaints.
¿Notario Público? Not in Texas! (En Español)
- A notary public is not a notario or notario público.
- A notary public is not authorized to practice law.
- A notary public may not give legal advice or prepare legal documents.
- A notary public may not charge a fee for preparation of immigration documents or represent someone in immigration matters.
- Please report any notaries public disobeying these rules to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Notary Public Training Courses
The Secretary of State offers notary training videos and resources on our Notary Public Training website. At this time, we do not conduct routine workshops or seminars.
The Secretary of State has no affiliation with any business that advertises notary public training and related services. Nor does the Secretary of State endorse any businesses. The Secretary of State lacks jurisdiction to take action regarding a business that offers notary public training. If you believe you have been harmed by a business offering notary education training, you should contact the police or the Consumer Protection office of the Attorney General.
Educational Materials
- 2019 Notary Public Conference
- Informational materials that accompany notary commissions
- Informational materials that accompany online notary public commissions
- Lost in Translation: Texas Notary Public v. Mexico Notario Publico by Jonathan A. Pikoff and Charles J. Crimmins
- Educational information may also be available from your notary association
These materials are offered as a public service for educational non-commercial use and are not intended to provide legal advice. While these materials are believed to be accurate, the Secretary of State makes no representations or warranties and disclaims any liability or responsibility for any errors.
The Secretary of State retains any underlying ownership and copyright in these materials (with the exception of the Pikoff and Crimmins article), and the materials should not be reproduced, redistributed, published, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the Secretary of State.
