Notary Bonds

Pursuant to HB 1203, effective September 1, 2002, the University can no longer purchase a surety bond premium for employees who serve as a notary public. The impact is as follows:

• The University can only pay the filing fee related to renewal of notary service.
• The University can pay for a new seal indicating that the employee is serving as a notary without bond.
• Non-bonded notary services should only be provided within the scope of state employment.
• If the employee serving as a notary desires to provide notary services outside the scope of state employment and desires the protection of a surety bond, the employee must pay the surety bond premium with personal funds.

Due to these changes, please be sure to begin notary renewal processes early by submitting a purchase voucher payable to the Secretary of State along with a copy of your completed forms to Accounts Payable. A check for the filing fee will be issued and held for pickup in Procurement and Business Services. The applicant should pick up the check and mail it along with the original application forms to the State Office of Risk Management (SORM). The notary seal can be purchased by submitting a requisition to Procurement and Business Services or by using a P-Card.

New and renewing notaries should visit to the Texas State Office of Risk Management website to apply.