Notary Public Commission or Renewal

Please be advised that the State of Texas has updated the Notary Stamp process for both new applications and renewals, effective January 1, 2026.

Key Changes for Applications on or After January 1, 2026:

• Mandatory Training: You must take an official training course.
• Mandatory Exam: You must pass a state-administered assessment with at least a 70% score.
• New Requirements Apply: These changes are for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026; if you applied in 2025, your current commission isn't affected.
• Exam Fee: There is a fee associated with the exam.

Before 2026:

• Texas did not require a test or specific training to become a notary, though it was recommended.

Summary:

If you're applying for your first commission or renewing after your current term ends in 2025, you will now need to pass the state's training and exam. For more details, please visit the official Notary Public link for applications and renewals: Texas Secretary of State-Notary Public.

How to Apply

State Employee Notary Public

A State Employee Notary Public is a traditional notary who is employed by a state agency, or university. State Employee Notaries cannot notarize for the public and can only perform notarizations for their state agency.

Step 1: Review our Notary FAQs.
Step 2: Review our Notary Education Materials.
Step 3: Start Your Training.
Step 4: Review our instructions (PDF) for State Employees on how to Submit an Application to become a Notary Public.
Step 5: Complete the SORM-203 Acknowledgement Form.
Step 6: Submit the Application to become a Notary Public in SOS Portal system.

If applicable, you may be required to submit the following with your application:

• Copies of the court order and sentencing paperwork for any criminal convictions.
• A written or typed statement describing the nature, circumstance, date, and location of each conviction.

After You Apply

• After submitting your application in our online system, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Once your application is processed by our Office, we will send you an email notification.
• If approved:
• The email will include instructions for accessing the SOS Portal Notary system to download your commission.
• You must sign your Notary Public Commission under oath in the presence of a notary public, or authorized official.
  Note: A notary public cannot execute their own commission.
• If denied/rejected:
• The email will include information and instructions on next steps to reapply or appeal the decision.

Payment

1. New Notary Stamp Requests - All requests must be submitted online, with the department PCard as the required payment method.
2. Notary Stamp Renewals - Renewal applications must also be submitted online, using the department PCard for payment.

Note: the PCard is approved only for new and renewal requests for non-bonded notaries.

Notary Supplies

Any necessary supplies should be ordered on a through TechBuy. You are welcome to reach out to Mulholland Industries for a quote.

If you have any questions, please contact purchasing@ttuhsc.edu.