Form 2301—General Information
(Application for Appointment as Texas Notary Public)
The attached form is designed to meet minimal statutory filing requirements pursuant to the relevant code provisions. This form and the
information provided are not substitutes for the advice and services of an attorney.
Commentary
Notaries Public are governed primarily by Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 121 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies
Code, and the Secretary of state’s administrative rules found in Title 1, Chapter 87 of the Texas Administrative Code. Section 406.005 of the
Government Code sets forth the requirements for a notary public application.
Notary commissions are effective as of the date of qualification of the applicant. Commissions expire four (4) years from the date of issuance
and may be renewed by filing an application for renewal no earlier than 90 days before expiration. This form is required for both new
applications and renewals for Texas residents who are not employed by the state of Texas. State employees should complete Form 2301-NB,
available from the State Office of Risk Management. Escrow officers residing in adjacent states should complete Form 2301-E.
Instructions for Form
Identifying Information: You must enter your name exactly as you intend to sign documents as a notary public. Your commission will be
issued in the name on the application.
The disclosure of your social security number is mandatory under § 406.005(a), Government Code. It will be used only to maintain the
accuracy of the Secretary of state’s records. The Secretary of state will redact the social security number prior to providing a copy of this
form in response to a public information request and will disclose the number only when required by law.
A document on file with the Secretary of state is a public record subject to public access and disclosure. When providing address information,
use a business or post office box address rather than a residence if privacy concerns are an issue.
Provide your email address for electronic return of your commission. Email addresses are confidential and will not be displayed on our
website. You will not receive materials by mail and the Office of the Secretary of state may use your email address to send correspondence.
Statements Relating To Qualification: By signing the application, the applicant swears to meeting the qualification requirements for the
office of a notary public. A notary public must be at least 18 years of age, be a legal resident of Texas, and not have a final conviction for
a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
When reporting criminal history on this form, you must disclose findings of guilt, or pleas of guilty or nolo contendere from any jurisdiction,
including state and federal courts, military tribunals, and jurisdictions outside the U.S., regardless of whether the case has been appealed.
Class C misdemeanors need not be disclosed. If you are unsure of the class of a crime or whether you were found guilty, disclose the crime
and explain the circumstances.
Applications are subject to background investigations. If a background investigation reveals any crimes (other than a Class C misdemeanor)
that you failed to disclose on your application, denial or revocation of your notary commission may result.
Notary Public Surety Bond: A notary public must secure a $10,000 surety bond. An authorized person for the surety company providing
the bond must sign in the space provided. To obtain the signature, take the form to an insurance agency or bonding company for completion,
unless it is preprinted with the name and address of an insurance agency/surety company. If it is preprinted, return it to the agency specified
on the bond for completion. Only a bond written by a company licensed in Texas to issue fidelity and surety bonds will be accepted.
A premium will be collected by the company from which you purchase the bond. Check with the surety company for the premium rate.
Attachments: The following items must be included with the application: (1) attachments regarding criminal convictions, if any; and (2)
filing fee of $21. All applications submitted are subject to background checks upon receipt in our office.
Payment and Delivery Instructions: The filing fee for a new or renewal application is $21. Fees may be paid by personal checks, money
orders, LegalEase debit cards or American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Checks or money orders must be payable
to the Secretary of state through a U.S. bank or financial institution. Fees paid by credit card are subject to a statutorily authorized
convenience fee of 2.7 percent of the total fees.
The completed form, along with the filing fee and any attachments, may be mailed to the Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 13375, Austin, Texas
78711-3375 or delivered to the James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos, Austin, Texas 78701. The Secretary of state will issue a
notary commission upon filing of a completed, qualified application.
Form 2301
1
Revised 02/2020
