5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Notary in Texas
Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Notary in Texas
Becoming a notary public in Texas is an exciting step, whether you’re looking to serve your community, start a side hustle, or become a full-time loan signing agent. But like many new notaries, I learned some important lessons the hard way. Here are the five things I wish someone had told me before I applied for my commission.
1. The Application Process Is Easier Than It Looks
When I first started, I thought becoming a notary was complicated and expensive. In reality, it’s a simple process that you can complete online in less than an hour. All you need is to meet the basic requirements (18 years or older, Texas resident, no felony convictions), purchase a $10,000 surety bond, fill out the application, and pay the $21 state filing fee. I spent more time worrying about the process than actually doing it.
Pro Tip: Use the Texas Secretary of State Notary Application to apply directly.
2. You Need More Than Just a Stamp
I thought being a notary meant I just needed a stamp, but there’s more to it. A proper setup includes a notary journal (even though it’s not required in Texas, it’s highly recommended), a good quality stamp, and E&O insurance to protect yourself. If you plan to be a mobile notary or loan signing agent, you’ll also want a bag, pens, and plenty of legal and letter-sized paper.
Recommended: Clever Fox Notary Journal and Xstamper Pre-Inked Texas Notary Stamp are great starter tools.
Estimated Startup Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| $10,000 Surety Bond | $50–$75 |
| Texas Filing Fee | $21 |
| Notary Stamp & Journal | $25–$50 |
| E&O Insurance | $30–$100/year |
| Optional Training | $50–$200 |
| Total Startup Cost | $125–$325 |
Having this cost breakdown upfront would have saved me from overspending on unnecessary extras when I first started.
3. Marketing Is Part of the Job
Just because you become a notary doesn’t mean people will automatically find you. I quickly realized that getting clients takes effort. Creating a Google Business Profile, setting up a simple website, and handing out business cards made a huge difference. Networking with local title companies and small businesses also helped me get my first paying clients.
Action Step: Claim your free Google Business Profile and start appearing in local search results.
4. Training Is Worth the Investment
I initially skipped formal training because Texas doesn’t require it. Big mistake. Training taught me the difference between acknowledgments and jurats, how to properly administer oaths, and how to avoid common mistakes that can invalidate notarizations. Good training pays for itself by helping you stay compliant and confident.
Recommended: Consider an online course from the National Notary Association if you want to add loan signings to your services.
5. It Can Be a Real Business
I assumed being a notary would just be a small side hustle, but it can be much more than that. Many notaries build six-figure businesses by offering mobile notary services, remote online notarization (RON), and loan signings. Treating your notary work like a business — with proper accounting, marketing, and client follow-up — opens up big opportunities.
Tip: Consider filing a DBA or LLC if you plan to brand your business, and open a separate bank account to track income and expenses.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
When I started, I made some avoidable mistakes:
- I didn’t use a notary journal for every act, which could have left me unprotected if a notarization was challenged.
- I bought the cheapest stamp I could find and had to replace it within months because the impressions faded.
- I waited too long to market my services, missing out on opportunities to build a client base early.
Learning these lessons early can save you time, money, and headaches.
Start Today
Becoming a notary in Texas is easier and more rewarding than I expected, but there’s a lot more to it than stamping documents. With the right tools, training, and mindset, you can turn your notary commission into a profitable business that helps people in your community every day.
If you’re just getting started, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Texas and grab our Free Notary Supply Checklist to make sure you have everything you need before your first appointment.
