Notary Public Permit Requirements in Austin, TX
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online)
Free
Immediate (online)
State of Texas
3 stopsTexas Notary Commission
Apply to the Texas Secretary of State for a 4-year notary commission through the SOS Notary Portal. Requirements: Texas resident, at least 18, no felony or crime-of-moral-turpitude convictions, completion of the SOS Notary Education Requirement (online, via the Notary Portal), and a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed Texas surety. Statutory filing fees total $21. There is no exam.
Official government source$21 (filing fee) + bond cost6–8 weeks
$21 (filing fee) + bond cost
6–8 weeks
Texas Notary Surety Bond ($10,000)
Required for all Texas notaries. The bond must be filed with the Secretary of State.
Official government source$30–$60 for 4 years1–3 days
$30–$60 for 4 years
1–3 days
Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)
While not required in Texas, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.
$40–$80/yearImmediate
$40–$80/year
Immediate
City of Austin / Travis County
1 stopCity of Austin - No General Business License Required
The City of Austin does not require a general business license, business registration, or occupational license to operate a business. There is no city license application, no annual renewal, and no city licensing fee. Requirements in Austin are activity-specific (e.g., a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial space, health permits for food businesses). If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. A notary (commissioned by the Texas Secretary of State) needs no Austin license of any kind.
Official government source$0 - no general business license exists in Austin1–3 weeks
$0 - no general business license exists in Austin
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $75–$350 · 4–8 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission
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