Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a resident of the State of Texas
- Cannot have a felony conviction or conviction involving moral turpitude (unless pardoned/restored)
- No prior notary education was required before 2026 - now mandatory
- No citizenship requirement - legal residents qualify
Last updated: January 2026
Eligibility Requirements for Texas Notaries
Before beginning the application process, verify that you meet all eligibility requirements established by Texas Government Code Chapter 406.
Basic Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Residency | Texas resident |
| Character | No disqualifying criminal convictions |
| Education | Complete SOS course (as of Jan 2026) |
Residency Requirement
You must be a resident of the State of Texas to become a Texas notary public.
| Acceptable | NOT Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Primary residence in Texas | Own property but live elsewhere |
| Texas address on ID | Work in Texas but live in another state |
| Intend to remain in Texas | P.O. Box only in Texas |
Note: Unlike some states, Texas does not allow non-residents who work in Texas to become notaries.
Criminal History Disqualifications
Texas disqualifies applicants with certain criminal convictions:
| Disqualifying Conviction | Exception |
|---|---|
| Felony conviction | Pardon granted |
| Crime involving moral turpitude | Conviction set aside |
| Final conviction | Certificate of restoration of citizenship rights |
What Is "Moral Turpitude"?
Crimes involving moral turpitude include conduct considered inherently dishonest or wrong:
| Examples |
|---|
| Fraud and forgery |
| Theft and embezzlement |
| Perjury |
| Bribery |
| Certain sex offenses |
No Citizenship Requirement
Unlike some states, Texas does NOT require U.S. citizenship:
| Eligible | Also Eligible |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizens | Lawful permanent residents |
| Legal residents with valid status |
Age Verification
The minimum age is 18 years. This is verified through:
- Government-issued ID
- Date of birth on application
Education Requirement (New as of 2026)
| Before January 1, 2026 | After January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| No education required | 2-hour SOS course required |
| Apply directly | Complete course first, then apply |
On the Exam
Eligibility questions focus on:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Residency: Must be Texas resident
- Citizenship: NOT required
- Felony: Generally disqualifies unless pardoned
- Education: Now mandatory (post Jan 2026)
Test Your Knowledge
What is the minimum age to become a Texas notary public?
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Test Your Knowledge
Does Texas require notaries to be U.S. citizens?
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D