Key Takeaways
- Education is mandatory for all applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026
- The course is limited to 2 hours maximum
- Only courses from the Texas Secretary of State are accepted
- Private vendors cannot provide the required education
- Notaries appointed before September 1, 2025 are exempt until renewal
Last updated: January 2026
Texas Notary Education Requirements (SB693)
Senate Bill 693 fundamentally changed how Texas notaries are prepared for their duties. Understanding these requirements is essential for anyone applying on or after January 1, 2026.
Education Requirement Overview
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Course length | Up to 2 hours |
| Provider | Texas Secretary of State ONLY |
| Private vendors | NOT accepted |
| When to complete | Before submitting application |
| Applies to | New AND renewing notaries |
| Effective date | January 1, 2026 |
Who Must Complete Education?
| Applicant Type | Education Required? |
|---|---|
| New applicants (after Jan 1, 2026) | YES |
| Renewing notaries (after Jan 1, 2026) | YES |
| Notaries appointed before Sept 1, 2025 | NO (until renewal) |
| Applications submitted before Jan 1, 2026 | NO |
Course Content
The Secretary of State's education course covers:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Notary qualifications | Who can be a notary |
| Application process | How to apply |
| Notarial acts | Types and procedures |
| Identity verification | Proper ID requirements |
| Journal requirements | NEW 10-year retention rule |
| Prohibited acts | What notaries cannot do |
| Penalties | Consequences of violations |
Important SB693 Changes
Beyond education, SB693 introduced other significant changes:
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Journal requirement | Mandatory for all notarial acts |
| 10-year retention | Records must be kept 10 years |
| Criminal offense | Notarizing without personal appearance |
| Real estate penalty | State jail felony for real estate fraud |
| Disciplinary grounds | Expanded "good cause" definition |
Completing the Course
- Visit the Texas Secretary of State notary training portal
- Create an account or log in
- Pay the required fee
- Complete the 2-hour course
- Pass any required assessment
- Receive completion certificate
- Submit notary application
Course Fee
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee amount | Set by Secretary of State (reasonable fee) |
| Payment | Online through SOS portal |
| Included | Course, assessment, certificate |
On the Exam
Education questions focus on:
- Who provides course: Secretary of State ONLY
- Course length: Up to 2 hours
- Private vendors: NOT allowed
- Effective date: January 1, 2026
- Exemptions: Notaries appointed before September 1, 2025 (until renewal)
Test Your Knowledge
Who is the ONLY authorized provider of Texas notary education under SB693?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum length of the required Texas notary education course?
A
B
C
D