Texas Notary Bond Requirements 2026: What SB693 Changes for New and Renewing Notaries
Senate Bill 693 became law on September 1, 2025, with key requirements effective January 1, 2026. If you are a Texas notary — or about to become one — here is what changed, what did not, and what you need to do right now.
What is Texas SB693?
Texas Senate Bill 693 (89th Legislature, 2025) is a comprehensive update to Texas notary public statutes. It created mandatory education requirements, new criminal penalties for improper notarization, a 10-year journal retention requirement, and expanded Remote Online Notarization (RON) authorization.
What changed on January 1, 2026
- Mandatory education: All new and renewing notary applicants must complete a 2-hour education course from the Texas Secretary of State ($20 per attempt, 70% passing score required).
- New criminal offense: Notarizing a document without the signer personally appearing is now a criminal offense.
- Journal now required: A notary journal is legally required and records must be kept for 10 years from the date of each notarial act.
- Expanded RON: Remote Online Notarization framework expanded and clarified.
What did NOT change — the notary bond
The Texas notary bond requirement is unchanged. The bond is still $10,000 for 4 years and costs $50 flat. No credit check required. Must be issued by a TDI-licensed surety company and filed via the Texas SOS Portal Notary System.
How to become a Texas notary in 2026
- Complete the SOS education course and assessment ($20 fee)
- Purchase your $10,000 Texas notary surety bond ($50 at Quantum Surety)
- Submit your application via the Texas SOS Portal, uploading the completed bond form
- Pay the $21 state application fee
- Take your oath of office with your county clerk
- Purchase your notary seal and journal (now legally required)