- A 2025 law (SB 693) added a mandatory state course, effective January 1, 2026.
- Only the Secretary of State provides it. Private courses do not count.
- It applies to new applicants and to renewing notaries, with a separate online course for RON.
- Record retention is now 10 years.
If you are becoming a notary in Texas, or renewing, the process is not quite what it was a year ago. A 2025 law, Senate Bill 693, added a required state education step that took effect on January 1, 2026. Here is exactly what changed, who it affects, and what to do. This is general information, not legal advice.
The headline change: a mandatory state course
Before 2026, Texas was one of the easier states to get commissioned in, with no required course and no exam. Now every applicant must complete an education course before being commissioned.
The details that actually matter:
- Only the Secretary of State provides it.This is the big one. Private "Texas notary training" products do not meet the requirement. If a company implies their paid course satisfies the state mandate, that is a red flag.
- It is short, capped at roughly two hours of online instruction.
- It ends with a brief open book assessment, and you need 70 percent to pass. There is a small fee per attempt (currently 20 dollars).
Who this affects
- New applicants: you complete the course before your first commission.
- Renewing notaries: the education requirement applies to you too, so renewal is no longer just paperwork.
- Online (RON) notaries: there is a separate online notary education course.
- Already commissioned before September 1, 2025: you are not required to take the initial appointment course now, but the education requirement comes into play when you reappoint.
What else SB 693 tightened
The law also reinforced recordkeeping. Texas notaries are expected to keep their record book entries for ten years from the date of the notarization, and failing to keep proper records is now clearer grounds for action against a commission. If you are starting out, get in the habit of logging every act from day one.
What to do now
- Start at the Texas Secretary of State notary portal and take the required course first.
- Pass the open book assessment.
- Then move on to your bond, application, seal, and record book.
For the full walkthrough, see our step by step guide to becoming a Texas notary.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm current details with the Texas Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
Do private courses count for the Texas requirement?
No. Only the Secretary of State course satisfies the mandate.
Does the new rule apply to renewals?
Yes. Renewing notaries are subject to the education requirement.
Is there a hard exam?
No, it is a short open book assessment with a 70 percent passing score.
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Zeltmann Notary
A bilingual Texas Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent, with Remote Online Notarization available statewide. Practical guidance from real day to day signing work.