Notary Public Bond in Texas

What this bond requires in Texas

Texas Government Code § 406.010(a) requires each notary public, before entering the duties of office, to execute a $10,000 bond with a solvent surety company authorized to do business in Texas. The bond is approved by the Secretary of State, payable to the governor, and conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties of office (§ 406.010(b)). The notary commission term is four years from the date of qualification under Tex. Gov't Code § 406.001. The bond is deposited with the Secretary of State and is not void on first recovery, meaning it may be sued upon repeatedly until the full $10,000 amount is recovered (§ 406.010(d)).

Who requires it

The notary public bond is required by the Texas Secretary of State under Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 406 (Subchapter A); specifically § 406.010 (bond) and § 406.001 (4-year term).

How to file in Texas

Applicants submit the notary application electronically through the Texas Secretary of State Notary Portal at notarytraining.sos.texas.gov. The applicant first completes the required notary education, then obtains a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized Texas surety company using Form 2301-B (Texas Notary Public Surety Bond). The completed and signed Form 2301-B is uploaded at the Bond step of the online application along with the applicant oath of office. The Secretary of State reviews and approves the bond, deposits it in the SOS office, and issues a four-year commission upon qualification.

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Common questions

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