Question 1

How much does a Texas notary bond cost?

Accepted Answer

A Texas notary bond costs $50 for the full 4-year term. There are no annual renewal fees and no credit check is required. The bond amount is $10,000 as required by the Texas Secretary of State.

Question 2

What is SB693 and how does it affect Texas notaries?

Accepted Answer

Texas Senate Bill 693 (SB693) took effect January 1, 2026. It requires all new and renewing Texas notary applicants to complete a mandatory 2-hour online education course from the Texas Secretary of State ($20 per attempt, 70% passing score). It also made notary journals legally required with 10-year retention, and created criminal penalties for notarizing without the signer personally present. The $10,000 notary bond requirement is unchanged — still $50 for 4 years.

Question 3

How quickly can I get a surety bond?

Accepted Answer

Many bond types — including Texas notary bonds and contractor license bonds — are issued instantly after online purchase. Your bond documents are emailed as a PDF immediately. Larger contract bonds (performance bonds, payment bonds) typically require underwriting and are issued same-day or within 24 hours for qualified contractors.

Question 4

What surety bonds do Texas contractors need?

Accepted Answer

Texas contractors typically need one or more of the following: (1) Contractor license bond — required by TDLR and many Texas cities for licensing; (2) Bid bond — required when bidding public construction projects; (3) Performance bond — required on Texas public contracts over $25,000; (4) Payment bond — required alongside performance bonds to protect subcontractors and suppliers. The specific requirements depend on your trade, contract size, and the project owner.

Question 5

Do I need a surety bond to get a contractor license in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most contractor trades in Texas require a surety bond as a condition of state or city licensure. TDLR-licensed trades (electricians, HVAC, plumbers) require a bond as part of the licensing process. Many Texas cities — including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — also require a local contractor bond. Bond amounts and requirements vary by trade and jurisdiction.

Question 6

What is the difference between a notary bond and E&O insurance?

Accepted Answer

A Texas notary bond protects the public — if a notary makes an error or commits misconduct, the surety pays the damaged party up to $10,000 and then seeks reimbursement from the notary. Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects the notary personally against lawsuits for unintentional mistakes. The bond is required by Texas law; E&O insurance is optional but strongly recommended for mobile notaries and notary signing agents.

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