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Renew Texas notary commission: in short
A Texas renewal is a fresh application, not an extension. Government Code §406.011 lets a current notary apply for reappointment no earlier than 90 days before the term ends, on a new application, and the new 4-year term starts when you qualify again.[5] Since the Notary Portal launched, applications and renewals go through the Secretary of State's SOSPortal rather than a paper form.[1]
Two parts are new for many renewing notaries. Every renewing notary must pass the Secretary of State's own education course and its 30-minute assessment before reappointment; no outside provider can give it.[3][5] And since a seal must carry your notary ID number and the new expiration date, a renewal also means a new seal.[4]
Texas rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, California notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal.
Texas notary renewal requirements
This table is what Texas Secretary of State and Tex. Gov't Code ch. 406 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years from the date you qualify.[5] (Gov't Code §406.002) |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | You may apply for reappointment no earlier than 90 days before your commission expires, on a new application.[5] (Gov't Code §406.011(a)) |
| State fee | $21 to the state: $10 to approve and file the bond, $1, and $10 for the commission. The Secretary of State's education course has its own non-refundable fee; its amount is not printed in the sources we read.[5][3] (Gov't Code §406.007) |
| Bond | A new $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized in Texas, covering the 4-year term. You upload the surety's Proof of Bond (form 2301-B) with the application.[5][3] (Gov't Code §406.010) |
| Course to renew | Required again: the Secretary of State's continuing education course (up to 2 hours, offered only by the Secretary of State) must be finished before you are reappointed.[5][3] (Gov't Code §§406.011(c), 406.023(d)) |
| Exam to renew | No separate exam on renewal; the course assessment is the test.[3] |
| Fingerprints or background check | The Secretary of State runs a background check on every applicant; no fingerprints are needed to apply.[1] |
| Oath | After approval you download the commission from the portal and sign the oath on it before another notary or another person the state authorizes (you cannot notarize your own).[1] |
| Seal or stamp | Your seal must show "Notary Public, State of Texas" around a five-point star, your name, your notary ID number and the commission expiration date, so a renewed commission needs a seal with the new date.[4][5] (Gov't Code §406.013) |
| Journal | Yes. A record book of your notarizations is required; keep entries for the commission term or 3 years, whichever is longer.[5] (Gov't Code §406.014) |
| Errors and omissions insurance | No. Errors and omissions insurance is optional and protects the notary, not the public.[2] |
Texas notary renewal fee and bond
The state fee is $21: $10 to approve and file the bond, $1, and $10 for the commission.[5] The surety company sells the $10,000 bond at its own price and gives you the Proof of Bond form 2301-B to upload.[3] The course fee is separate and non-refundable; the guide we read does not print the amount, so check it in the portal before you pay.[3] Errors and omissions insurance is optional in Texas: it protects you, while the bond protects the public.[2]
How to renew a Texas notary commission, step by step
Texas renewal is 5 steps, in this order.[3][5]
- Sign in to the SOS Notary Portal and find your notary profile.
- Pay for and pass the Secretary of State's notary education course.
- Buy a new $10,000 bond and get the Proof of Bond form 2301-B from the surety.
- Choose "Apply or Renew Commission", upload the bond, sign and pay the state fee.
- After approval, download the commission and sign the oath before another notary.
You apply to Texas Secretary of State yourself: Texas notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Texas commission already expired
There is no grace period. If you are not reappointed by the expiration date, you apply through the same "Apply or Renew Commission" option and the new 4-year term runs from your new qualification date. You may not notarize in the gap.[5][3]
After a lapse: course yes, 2 hours max[3][5]; exam not required[3][5].
Name or address change during your commission
Address change: tell the Secretary of State within 10 days. Name change: optional; made in the Notary Portal with a rider from your surety and a $20 fee.[5][2] (Gov't Code §406.019)
Electronic and remote online notarization: Online notary commissions exist as a separate application; the traditional commission must be renewed first.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How early can I renew my Texas notary commission?
No earlier than 90 days before it expires, on a new application (Government Code §406.011).[5] A commission expiring February 10, 2027 can be renewed from November 12, 2026.