Answers (Verified Answers) 2026
This study resource is built for individuals preparing for the Texas Notary
Public education course and exam required under SB 693, effective
January 1, 2026. It mirrors the style, difficulty, and topic coverage of the
Texas Secretary of State's Notary Portal assessment, covering
commissioning requirements, bonds, seals, notarial acts, identity
verification, recordkeeping, fees, online notarization, prohibited acts, and
ethics
1. Which state agency is responsible for commissioning and
regulating Texas notaries public?
A) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
B) Texas Secretary of State
C) Texas Attorney General
D) County Clerk's Office
Answer: B) Texas Secretary of State
Explanation: The Texas Secretary of State administers the notary
public program under Texas Government Code Chapter 406,
including processing applications, issuing commissions, and
overseeing notary conduct.
,2. What is the minimum age to become a Texas notary public?
A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25
Answer: B) 18 years old
Explanation: Texas Government Code §406.004 requires notary
applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
3. What is the required surety bond amount for a Texas notary
public?
A) $5,000
B) $7,500
C) $10,000
D) $25,000
Answer: C) $10,000
Explanation: Texas Government Code §406.010 requires a $10,000
surety bond, which must be filed with the Secretary of State before
receiving the commission.
,4. How long does a Texas notary public commission last?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 4 years
D) 6 years
Answer: C) 4 years
Explanation: A Texas notary commission is valid for four years from
the date the commission is issued.
5. Where must a newly commissioned Texas notary file their oath
and bond?
A) Secretary of State's office
B) County Clerk's office in the county of residence
C) Texas Attorney General's office
D) Governor's office
Answer: B) County Clerk's office in the county of residence
Explanation: After appointment, notaries must file their bond and
oath of office with the county clerk where they reside.
, 6. What is the key difference between an acknowledgment and a
jurat?
A) An acknowledgment requires an oath; a jurat does not
B) A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm the truth of the
document; an acknowledgment only verifies voluntary signing
C) A jurat can only be performed by attorney-notaries
D) An acknowledgment is only for real estate documents
Answer: B) A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm the truth
of the document; an acknowledgment only verifies voluntary signing
Explanation: In a jurat, the signer takes an oath or affirmation that
the contents are true. An acknowledgment simply confirms the
signer's identity and that they signed willingly for the stated
purpose.
7. A Texas notary may perform notarial acts:
A) Only within their county of residence
B) Anywhere within the State of Texas
C) Only within their city limits
D) Anywhere within the United States
Answer: B) Anywhere within the State of Texas
Explanation: Texas notaries have statewide jurisdiction and may
perform notarial acts in any Texas county.