Do Texas Notaries Need a Business License? Here’s the Answer
Do Texas Notaries Need a Business License?
If you’re a new notary in Texas, one of the first questions you might have is whether you need a business license to operate legally. The short answer: No, Texas notaries do not need a separate business license just to perform notarial acts — but there are some important details you should know, especially if you plan to run a mobile notary or loan signing business.
Notary Commission vs. Business License
| Requirement | Needed for Notary Work? | Who Issues It | When to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Notary Commission | ✅ Yes | Texas Secretary of State | Before performing any notarial acts |
| Business License / DBA | ❌ Not required for basic notarial acts | County Clerk or Texas Secretary of State | Only if you use a business name, run a mobile notary business, or add services |
| Sales Tax Permit | ❌ Not required for services | Texas Comptroller | Only needed if selling taxable goods |
This table makes it clear that your notary commission alone is enough for performing notarial acts, but you may choose to register a business if you want to grow professionally.
📎 Helpful Links:
- Texas Secretary of State – Notary Public Information
- Texas Comptroller – Sales Tax Permits
- Texas Secretary of State – File a DBA/Assumed Name
No Business License Required for Notarial Acts
When you are commissioned as a notary public in Texas, your notary commission itself authorizes you to perform notarial acts such as acknowledgments, jurats (oaths and affirmations), copy certifications, and witnessing signatures.
Your commission, surety bond, and notary seal are all you need to legally notarize documents. There is no statewide requirement to obtain a general business license to offer notary services.
When You Might Need a Business License
While the state of Texas doesn’t require a business license for notaries, some local counties and cities regulate businesses in general. This usually applies when you are:
- Operating under a business name other than your legal name (DBA / “Doing Business As”)
- Running a mobile notary business or loan signing business
- Advertising services beyond notarization (e.g., document courier, fingerprinting, I-9 verifications)
In these cases, you may need to register your business name with the county clerk, file for a DBA or LLC, or obtain a local business license.
Real-World Example:
Maria, a new notary in Austin, started using only her commission to notarize documents for friends and local clients. As demand grew, she created a business name — “Austin Mobile Notary” — filed a DBA with the county, opened a separate business bank account, and started marketing her services online. This helped her look professional and made it easier to track business income and expenses at tax time.
DBA vs. LLC: Which Is Right for You?
If you decide to run your notary business under a name other than your own, you have two main options:
- DBA (Doing Business As):
- Simple and inexpensive (filed with your county or state)
- Lets you operate under a business name
- Does not offer liability protection — your personal assets are still exposed
- LLC (Limited Liability Company):
- Filed with the Texas Secretary of State (higher filing fee)
- Protects your personal assets if there is a lawsuit
- Adds credibility and allows you to open a business bank account easily
- Requires more formal recordkeeping and annual compliance
Many new notaries start with a DBA to keep things simple and upgrade to an LLC once their business grows.
Benefits of Formalizing Your Business
Even if it’s not required, registering your business can:
- Build a more professional image
- Allow you to claim business tax deductions (mileage, supplies, marketing)
- Make it easier to work with title companies or signing services
- Separate personal and business finances
Final Answer
Texas does not require a separate business license to perform notarial acts. Your commission is enough. But if you plan to operate as a business — especially under a name other than your own — it’s smart to register a DBA or LLC and take steps to formalize your operations.
If you’re ready to grow, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Texas Notary Public and download our Notary Business Setup Checklist to make sure you’re compliant and set up for success.
