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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Texas Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Texas calls Remote Online Notarization an online notary public commission. You must first hold a current traditional Texas notary commission, then apply separately for the online commission through the SOS Notary Portal.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Texas Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Texas notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: SOS Portal
Texas no longer accepts paper applications through the normal process. Create an SOS Portal account first, then use the Notary tile to complete education and applications.
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Create an SOS Portal account Go to the SOS Portal. This login is not the same as SOSDirect. |
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Open the Notary Portal Use the Notary Portal Guide for screenshots of education, applications, and profile matching. |
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If you are already a Texas notary, find your profile In Notary Self Service, use Find Your Profile before you take the online education course or apply for an online commission. Confirm your current commission in the Notary Public Search. |
Part 1: Traditional Texas Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired traditional Texas notary commission. You cannot apply for an online commission until this is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Public hub and Notary FAQs. Follow the traditional application PDF (or the bonding-company PDF if a surety company files for you). |
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Complete traditional notary education In the SOS Notary Portal, take the Traditional Notary Education course. The Secretary of State lists this as a $20 non-refundable fee. You must pass before you can apply. |
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Obtain a $10,000 surety bond Buy the bond from a Texas-licensed surety. Upload the completed Form 2301-B (or the bond packet your company provides) in the portal. The premium is paid to the bonding company, not to the Secretary of State. |
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Submit the traditional application Apply in the SOS Portal (Form 2301). The Secretary of State lists the filing fee as $21. If you have convictions to disclose, attach the court paperwork and a written statement as the official instructions require. |
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Download your commission and take the oath After approval, download the commission from the portal. Sign it under oath in the presence of another notary or authorized official. You cannot notarize your own commission. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Complete this only after your traditional commission is active. Gather your notary ID number, the name on that commission, and the tools below before you start the online application.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Getting Started as an Online Notary, Online Notary Educational Information, and the online application PDF. |
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Complete online notary education In the portal, open Notary Education and take the Online Notary Education course. The Secretary of State lists this as a separate $20 non-refundable fee from the traditional course. |
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Start the online commission application Choose Apply for Online Commission. Your notary ID, date of birth, last four digits of your SSN, and last name must match the traditional commission on file. |
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Sign the Statement of Officer with your digital certificate Download the statement, sign it with your X.509 certificate, upload it, and validate the certificate in the portal. |
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Upload your electronic seal Use an accepted image format. The expiration date on the seal must match your traditional commission end date. Your online commission expires on the same day as your traditional commission. |
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Pay and submit The Secretary of State lists Form 2301ON as $50. Review the summary, submit, and watch email for approval. Download the online commission when it is issued and complete any oath steps shown in the portal. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not renew the online commission until the traditional commission has been renewed and you have received the new traditional commission certificate. They share the same expiration date.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from the official Forms & Fees page. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond premiums and certificate or seal purchases are separate and set by those vendors.
| Item | SOS fee |
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| Traditional Notary Education | $20 (non-refundable) |
| Online Notary Education | $20 (non-refundable) |
| Form 2301 — Traditional application | $21 |
| Form 2301ON — Online application | $50 |
| Surety bond | $10,000 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Texas Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| SOS Portal | portal.sos.texas.gov |
| Notary Public hub | sos.texas.gov/statdoc/notary-public.shtml |
| Notary Portal guides | sos.texas.gov/statdoc/notaryguide.shtml |
| Forms and fees | sos.texas.gov/statdoc/notaryforms.shtml |
| Notary Public Search | direct.sos.state.tx.us/notaries/NotarySearch.asp |
| SOS Notary office | 512-463-5705 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must already hold a current traditional Texas notary commission and a notary identification number.
Q: Does Texas approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The Secretary of State does not recommend a platform or digital-certificate vendor. You are responsible for using technology that meets Texas Government Code Chapter 406 and 1 TAC Chapter 87.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use the Secretary of State’s Forms & Fees page and the current PDF guides linked from the Notary Portal Guide.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
