199+ Free TX Notary Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Which state agency administers the notary public program in Texas?

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Texas Secretary of State

Texas Attorney General's Office

Texas Department of Public Safety

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TX Notary Exam

70%

Passing Score (14/20 correct)

TX Gov't Code Ch. 406 / SB 693

$10,000

Surety Bond Required

TX Gov't Code Sec. 406.006

4 years

Commission Term

TX Gov't Code Sec. 406.008

$10

Maximum Fee Per Notarial Act

TX Gov't Code Sec. 406.024

10 years

Journal Record Retention (SB 693)

TX Gov't Code Sec. 406.014

2018

Year RON Authorized in Texas

TX Gov't Code Secs. 406.101-406.113

The Texas notary exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions requiring a 70% passing score (14 correct). It is open-book and administered online through the Texas Secretary of State portal. As of January 1, 2026, all new and renewing notaries must complete up to 2 hours of mandatory education before taking the exam (per SB 693). Texas was one of the first states to authorize Remote Online Notarization (RON) in 2018.

Sample TX Notary Practice Questions

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1Which state agency administers the notary public program in Texas?

A.Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

B.Texas Secretary of State

C.Texas Attorney General's Office

D.Texas Department of Public Safety

Explanation: The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) administers the notary public program in Texas, including processing applications, issuing commissions, and overseeing notary conduct under Texas Government Code Chapter 406.

2What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Texas?

A.16 years old

B.18 years old

C.21 years old

D.25 years old

Explanation: Texas requires notary applicants to be at least 18 years of age. This is the standard minimum age requirement in most U.S. states, as set forth in Texas Government Code Chapter 406.

3Maria is a legal permanent resident (green card holder) living in Houston. She wants to become a Texas notary. Which statement is correct?

A.She cannot become a notary because only U.S. citizens may serve

B.She may apply because Texas does not require U.S. citizenship for notaries

C.She may apply only if she has lived in Texas for at least 5 years

D.She must first obtain a waiver from the Secretary of State

Explanation: Texas does not require U.S. citizenship to become a notary public. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bernal v. Fainter (1984) that states cannot impose citizenship requirements on notary applicants, as notaries perform ministerial rather than political functions. Non-citizens must file a Declaration of Domicile at their county courthouse.

4How long is the standard commission term for a Texas notary public?

A.2 years

B.3 years

C.4 years

D.5 years

Explanation: A Texas notary commission is valid for 4 years from the date the commission is issued. Notaries must complete the qualification process (filing bond and oath) within 90 days of receiving their commission, or the commission will be void.

5What is the total application fee for a standard Texas notary commission?

A.$10

B.$15

C.$21

D.$30

Explanation: The total application fee for a Texas notary commission is $21, which includes $10 for the commission itself, $10 for the bond filing fee, and $1 for the archive fee. These fees are set by statute and payable to the Secretary of State.

6Under SB 693 (effective January 1, 2026), what new requirement was added for Texas notary applicants?

A.Applicants must pass a proctored closed-book exam

B.Applicants must complete mandatory notary education of up to 2 hours

C.Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent

D.Applicants must complete 40 hours of continuing education

Explanation: SB 693, effective January 1, 2026, introduced a mandatory education requirement for Texas notary applicants of up to 2 hours of training. This was a significant change for Texas, which previously had no pre-commission education requirement.

7What is the format of the Texas notary qualification exam?

A.50 multiple-choice questions, closed-book, 60% passing score

B.20 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 70% passing score (14/20)

C.30 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 80% passing score

D.25 multiple-choice questions, closed-book, 75% passing score

Explanation: The Texas notary qualification exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions administered by the Secretary of State. It is an open-book exam, and applicants must score at least 70% (14 out of 20 correct) to pass. The fee is $20 per attempt.

8After receiving a Texas notary commission, how many days does the notary have to complete the qualification process (filing bond and oath)?

A.30 days

B.60 days

C.90 days

D.120 days

Explanation: Texas law requires a notary to complete the qualification process within 90 days of receiving the commission. This includes filing the surety bond and taking the oath of office. Failure to qualify within 90 days voids the commission entirely.

9Carlos is a non-citizen residing in Dallas who wants to become a Texas notary. What additional step must he take that a U.S. citizen would not?

A.Obtain special authorization from Immigration and Customs Enforcement

B.File a Declaration of Domicile at the county courthouse

C.Post a double surety bond ($20,000 instead of $10,000)

D.Complete 8 hours of additional notary education

Explanation: Non-citizen applicants for a Texas notary commission must file a Declaration of Domicile at their county courthouse, establishing Texas as their primary residence. This is the only additional requirement for non-citizens, as the Supreme Court's ruling in Bernal v. Fainter (1984) prohibits states from denying notary commissions based on citizenship.

10What fee does the Texas Secretary of State charge per attempt for the notary qualification exam?

A.$10

B.$15

C.$20

D.$25

Explanation: The Texas Secretary of State charges $20 per attempt for the notary qualification exam. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may retake the exam, though the fee applies each time.

About the TX Notary Exam

Prepare for the Texas Notary Public exam with 200 free practice questions covering Texas Government Code Chapter 406, SB 693 updates effective 2026, seal requirements, journal rules, RON procedures, and fee schedules.

Questions

20 scored questions

Time Limit

No formal time limit

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$20 per attempt (Texas Secretary of State)

TX Notary Exam Content Outline

20%

Commission & Application

Eligibility (age 18, residency, no citizenship requirement per Bernal v. Fainter), $21 application fee, 4-year term, oath of office, 90-day qualification deadline, Declaration of Domicile for non-citizens

25%

Bond, Seal & Journal

$10,000 surety bond, seal with five-pointed star and notary ID number, circular or rectangular shapes, indelible ink, 10-year journal retention (SB 693), required journal entries, public records

25%

Notarial Acts & Procedures

Acknowledgments, jurats, oaths/affirmations, copy certifications, depositions, protests, certificate language, signer identification (personal knowledge, credible witness, government-issued photo ID)

15%

Fees, Ethics & Prohibited Acts

$10 per-act fee cap, $1 additional signature, fee posting requirement, 'notario' prohibition (Sec. 406.017), UPL restrictions, financial interest disqualification, family member best practices

15%

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Authorized since July 2018, $50 application, $25 surcharge, PKI/X.509 digital certificates, KBA, tamper-evident technology, 5-year AV recording retention, approved platform requirement

How to Pass the TX Notary Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 20 questions
Time limit: No formal time limit
Exam fee: $20 per attempt

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TX Notary Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on SB 693 changes effective 2026 — mandatory education, 10-year record retention, and enhanced penalties for real property documents

2Memorize the three identification methods: personal knowledge, one credible witness (under oath), and government-issued photo ID with signature

3Know the fee schedule: $10 per acknowledgment/oath, $1 per additional signature, $25 RON surcharge, $1/page for record copies

4Understand the 'notario' prohibition under Section 406.017 — Class A misdemeanor (first offense) escalating to third-degree felony

5Remember the five-pointed star requirement on the seal — unique to Texas and frequently tested

6Study RON requirements: PKI/X.509 digital certificates, KBA, approved platforms only (not Zoom/Skype), 5-year AV recording retention

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas require a notary exam?

Yes. Effective January 1, 2026, all new and renewing Texas notaries must complete up to 2 hours of mandatory education and pass a 20-question exam with a 70% passing score, administered online by the Secretary of State.

Can non-citizens become notaries in Texas?

Yes. Texas does not require U.S. citizenship for notary applicants, per the 1984 Supreme Court ruling in Bernal v. Fainter. Non-citizens must be lawfully present and file a Declaration of Domicile at their county courthouse.

What are the Texas notary seal requirements?

Texas seals must be circular (≤2" diameter) or rectangular (≤1" × 2.5"), include a five-pointed star, the notary's name, 'Notary Public, State of Texas,' the commission expiration date, and the notary ID number. Ink must be indelible and photographically reproducible.

What are the penalties for notarizing without personal appearance in Texas?

Notarizing without personal appearance is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine). If the document involves real property transfer, it is elevated to a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine).

How long must Texas notaries keep their journal records?

Per SB 693 (effective September 1, 2025), Texas notaries must retain all notarial records for 10 years. For online notarizations, audio/video recordings must be kept for 5 years with an original and backup copy.