Notary Public Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

1. EIN (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 source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Texas 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 cost·6–8 weeks

   $21 (filing fee) + bond cost

   6–8 weeks

2. 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 years·1–3 days

   $30–$60 for 4 years

   1–3 days

3. 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/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. City of Houston — No Business License Required (notary)

   Houston has no general business license; a notary or notary signing agent business needs no city-level license. Notaries are commissioned by the Texas Secretary of State; that state commission is the operative credential.

   Official government source

   None·1–3 weeks

   None

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Texas — Notary Public Requirements
• Texas Secretary of State

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