Texas Notary Public Practice Exam (2026 Edition) Questions
with Answers & Rationales Newest 2026 | INSTANT PDF
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Section 1: Notary Public Commissioning and Eligibility (Questions 1-15)
1 A Texas resident who has been convicted of a felony in another state and has had their civil rights restored in
that state applies for a notary commission in Texas. Under Texas Government Code §406.004, which of the
following is correct regarding their eligibility?
A) The applicant is eligible because the conviction was in another state and civil rights have been restored.
B) The applicant is ineligible unless the conviction has been pardoned or the applicant has obtained a full
restoration of firearm rights in Texas.
C) The applicant is eligible if more than five years have passed since the completion of the sentence.
D) The applicant is ineligible regardless of restoration of rights because Texas law prohibits any felony
conviction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a) disqualifies any person who has been convicted of a felony,
regardless of where the conviction occurred, unless the person has been pardoned or has had their full rights of
citizenship restored. Restoration of rights in another state does not automatically satisfy Texas requirements;
restoration of firearm rights is a key indicator. Option A is incorrect because restoration in another state is not
sufficient. Option C is incorrect because no time limit is specified. Option D is incorrect because restoration can
cure the disqualification.
2 An applicant for a Texas notary commission has been adjudicated as incapacitated by a Texas probate court, but
the court order has been subsequently vacated. The applicant now seeks a commission. Under Texas law, which
of the following best describes the applicant's eligibility?
A) The applicant is permanently disqualified because the adjudication of incapacity is a lifetime bar.
B) The applicant is eligible because the adjudication was vacated, restoring their legal capacity.
C) The applicant must wait five years after the vacatur before applying.
D) The applicant is eligible only if the probate court issues a certificate of competency.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a)(2) disqualifies a person who has been adjudicated as incapacitated.
However, if the adjudication is vacated, the person is no longer incapacitated in the eyes of the law, and the
disqualification is removed. There is no waiting period or requirement for a certificate of competency beyond the
vacatur. Option A is incorrect because the disqualification is not permanent if the underlying condition is resolved.
Option C is incorrect because no waiting period exists. Option D is incorrect because the vacatur itself restores
capacity.
3 A Texas notary public moves to a new county within Texas but fails to update their address with the Secretary
of State within the statutory timeframe. What is the legal consequence regarding their commission?
A) The commission automatically becomes void after 30 days of non-compliance.
B) The commission remains valid but the notary may be subject to administrative penalties.
C) The commission remains valid only if the notary continues to perform notarizations in the former county.
D) The commission is suspended until the address change is filed.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.008 requires a notary to notify the Secretary of State of an address change
within 30 days. Failure to do so does not void the commission but may subject the notary to administrative
penalties, including possible revocation after notice and hearing. The commission remains valid during the period
of non-compliance unless and until revoked. Option A is incorrect because the statute does not provide for
automatic voidance. Option C is incorrect because the notary may notarize anywhere in the state. Option D is
incorrect because suspension is not automatic.
4 Which of the following individuals is eligible to apply for a Texas notary public commission?
A) A 17-year-old Texas resident who has a valid driver's license and is employed in a law office.
B) A permanent resident alien who has been lawfully admitted for residence and resides in Texas.
C) A person who has been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military.
D) A person who has been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor involving moral turpitude within the past five
years.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.002 requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and a resident of Texas.
Permanent resident aliens are eligible because they are lawful residents. Option A is incorrect because the applicant
is under 18. Option C is incorrect because dishonorable discharge disqualifies under §406.004(a)(3). Option D is
incorrect because a Class B misdemeanor involving moral turpitude is a disqualifying offense under §406.004(a)(1)
if within the past five years.
5 A notary public applicant submits a completed application, pays the required fee, and files a $10,000 bond with
the county clerk. However, the applicant inadvertently fails to take the oath of office before the county clerk. Is
the applicant commissioned?
A) Yes, because the bond and fee are the primary requirements.
B) Yes, because the oath is automatically administered upon filing the bond.
C) No, because the oath of office is a mandatory prerequisite to the issuance of the commission.
D) No, but the commission can be issued retroactively once the oath is taken.
Answer: C
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.005 requires that before a notary public may perform any duties, the
notary must take the official oath and file it with the county clerk. The oath is a substantive requirement, not a mere
formality. Without the oath, the commission is not effective. Option A is incorrect because the oath is essential.
Option B is incorrect because the oath must be personally taken. Option D is incorrect because the commission
cannot be issued retroactively; the oath must precede the commission.
6 A Texas notary public's four-year commission expires on June 1, 2026. The notary submits a renewal
application on May 15, 2026, but the Secretary of State does not process it until June 10, 2026. During the
period June 1 to June 10, the notary continues to perform notarizations. Which of the following statements is
accurate?
A) The notarizations are valid because the renewal application was timely filed.
B) The notarizations are voidable until the commission is renewed.
C) The notarizations are invalid because the notary's commission had expired.
D) The notarizations are valid if the notary had a reasonable belief that the renewal would be granted.
Answer: C
Rationale: A notary public's commission expires on the date stated on the commission certificate. There is no grace
period for continuing to act after expiration, even if a renewal application is pending. The notarizations performed
after expiration are invalid. Option A is incorrect because timely filing does not extend the current commission.
,Option B is incorrect because the acts are void, not voidable. Option D is incorrect because reasonable belief is not
a defense.
7 An applicant for a Texas notary commission has been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for theft of services
five years and six months ago. The applicant has completed all terms of the sentence, including payment of
restitution. Under Texas Government Code §406.004, which of the following is correct?
A) The applicant is ineligible because the conviction is for a crime involving moral turpitude.
B) The applicant is eligible because more than five years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence.
C) The applicant is ineligible unless the conviction has been expunged.
D) The applicant is eligible because a Class A misdemeanor does not disqualify a notary applicant.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a)(1) disqualifies a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude within the past five years. Theft of services is a crime involving moral turpitude. Since
the conviction was over five years ago and the sentence is completed, the disqualification period has passed. Option
A is incorrect because the five-year bar has expired. Option C is incorrect because expungement is not required.
Option D is incorrect because a Class A misdemeanor can disqualify if it involves moral turpitude and is within
five years.
8 A Texas notary public is commissioned and files the required $10,000 bond with the county clerk. During the
commission term, the notary is sued for negligence in performing a notarization, and a judgment is entered
against the notary for $15,000. The bond is exhausted paying the judgment. Which of the following best
describes the notary's status?
A) The notary's commission is automatically revoked upon exhaustion of the bond.
B) The notary must immediately obtain an additional bond or the commission is suspended.
C) The notary may continue to act, but the bond is insufficient to cover future claims.
D) The notary's commission remains valid, but the notary must file a new bond within 30 days.
Answer: D
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.010 requires that a notary public maintain a bond in the full amount. If the
bond is exhausted, the notary must file a new bond. Failure to do so may result in suspension or revocation after
notice. The commission does not automatically revoke, but the notary cannot continue without a bond. Option A is
incorrect because revocation is not automatic. Option B is incorrect because the statute provides a 30-day period to
file a new bond. Option C is incorrect because the notary must maintain a bond.
9 Which of the following statements regarding the eligibility of a person who has been adjudicated bankrupt to
serve as a Texas notary public is correct?
A) Bankruptcy adjudication disqualifies a person from being a notary public.
B) Bankruptcy adjudication does not disqualify a person, but the notary must disclose it on the application.
C) Bankruptcy adjudication disqualifies a person only if the bankruptcy involved fraud.
D) Bankruptcy adjudication has no effect on eligibility for a notary commission.
Answer: D
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004 does not list bankruptcy as a disqualifying factor. Therefore, a person
who has been adjudicated bankrupt is eligible to apply for a notary commission. There is no requirement to
disclose bankruptcy on the application unless it is part of a larger pattern of financial irresponsibility that might
indicate lack of integrity, but the statute itself does not bar such applicants. Options A, B, and C are incorrect
because bankruptcy is not a statutory disqualification.
, 10 A Texas notary public's commission is revoked by the Secretary of State for a violation of notary law. The
notary wishes to apply for a new commission immediately after the revocation. Under Texas law, which of the
following is correct?
A) The notary may apply immediately for a new commission.
B) The notary must wait one year from the date of revocation before reapplying.
C) The notary must wait five years from the date of revocation before reapplying.
D) The notary is permanently barred from holding a commission.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.011 provides that a person whose commission has been revoked is
ineligible to apply for a new commission for one year from the date of revocation. This waiting period is designed
to allow for rehabilitation and to deter misconduct. Option A is incorrect because immediate reapplication is not
allowed. Option C is incorrect because the waiting period is one year, not five. Option D is incorrect because the
bar is not permanent.
11 A Texas resident was convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for theft five years ago. The individual has
completed all terms of probation and paid all fines. Which of the following best describes the individual's
eligibility to apply for a notary public commission in Texas?
A) The individual is eligible because the conviction was a misdemeanor, not a felony, and more than two years
have passed since completion of the sentence.
B) The individual is ineligible because any conviction involving moral turpitude, including a Class A
misdemeanor, permanently disqualifies the applicant.
C) The individual is ineligible because theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and the disqualification period is five
years from the date of conviction, which has not yet elapsed.
D) The individual is eligible because the conviction was a misdemeanor, and the Secretary of State has discretion
to waive the disqualification after two years from completion of the sentence.
Answer: C
Rationale: Under Texas Government Code §406.004, a person is disqualified from receiving a notary commission if
convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude within the past five years. Theft is considered a crime of moral
turpitude. The disqualification runs from the date of conviction, not completion of sentence. Option C correctly
states the five-year period from conviction. Option A is incorrect because the crime involves moral turpitude and
the period is five years, not two. Option B is wrong because the disqualification is not permanent; it is for five
years. Option D is incorrect because the Secretary of State does not have general discretion to waive this
disqualification.
12 A Texas notary public commission expires on June 30, 2026. The notary submitted a renewal application and
fee on June 15, 2026, but the Secretary of State did not process it until July 5, 2026. During the period from
July 1 to July 5, the notary performed a notarization. Which of the following statements is correct?
A) The notarization is valid because the renewal application was filed before the expiration date, and the
commission is considered continuous.
B) The notarization is invalid because the commission had expired on June 30, and the notary had no authority to
act until the renewal was approved.
C) The notarization is valid only if the notary had a temporary extension granted by the Secretary of State.
D) The notarization is invalid, but the notary may cure the defect by submitting a late renewal within 30 days.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Texas law, a notary commission expires on the date stated in the commission, and there is no
grace period. The notary's authority ends on the expiration date, regardless of a pending renewal application. The
notarization performed after June 30 is void because the notary lacked legal authority. Option A is incorrect
with Answers & Rationales Newest 2026 | INSTANT PDF
DOWNLOAD. — 150 Questions
Section 1: Notary Public Commissioning and Eligibility (Questions 1-15)
1 A Texas resident who has been convicted of a felony in another state and has had their civil rights restored in
that state applies for a notary commission in Texas. Under Texas Government Code §406.004, which of the
following is correct regarding their eligibility?
A) The applicant is eligible because the conviction was in another state and civil rights have been restored.
B) The applicant is ineligible unless the conviction has been pardoned or the applicant has obtained a full
restoration of firearm rights in Texas.
C) The applicant is eligible if more than five years have passed since the completion of the sentence.
D) The applicant is ineligible regardless of restoration of rights because Texas law prohibits any felony
conviction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a) disqualifies any person who has been convicted of a felony,
regardless of where the conviction occurred, unless the person has been pardoned or has had their full rights of
citizenship restored. Restoration of rights in another state does not automatically satisfy Texas requirements;
restoration of firearm rights is a key indicator. Option A is incorrect because restoration in another state is not
sufficient. Option C is incorrect because no time limit is specified. Option D is incorrect because restoration can
cure the disqualification.
2 An applicant for a Texas notary commission has been adjudicated as incapacitated by a Texas probate court, but
the court order has been subsequently vacated. The applicant now seeks a commission. Under Texas law, which
of the following best describes the applicant's eligibility?
A) The applicant is permanently disqualified because the adjudication of incapacity is a lifetime bar.
B) The applicant is eligible because the adjudication was vacated, restoring their legal capacity.
C) The applicant must wait five years after the vacatur before applying.
D) The applicant is eligible only if the probate court issues a certificate of competency.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a)(2) disqualifies a person who has been adjudicated as incapacitated.
However, if the adjudication is vacated, the person is no longer incapacitated in the eyes of the law, and the
disqualification is removed. There is no waiting period or requirement for a certificate of competency beyond the
vacatur. Option A is incorrect because the disqualification is not permanent if the underlying condition is resolved.
Option C is incorrect because no waiting period exists. Option D is incorrect because the vacatur itself restores
capacity.
3 A Texas notary public moves to a new county within Texas but fails to update their address with the Secretary
of State within the statutory timeframe. What is the legal consequence regarding their commission?
A) The commission automatically becomes void after 30 days of non-compliance.
B) The commission remains valid but the notary may be subject to administrative penalties.
C) The commission remains valid only if the notary continues to perform notarizations in the former county.
D) The commission is suspended until the address change is filed.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.008 requires a notary to notify the Secretary of State of an address change
within 30 days. Failure to do so does not void the commission but may subject the notary to administrative
penalties, including possible revocation after notice and hearing. The commission remains valid during the period
of non-compliance unless and until revoked. Option A is incorrect because the statute does not provide for
automatic voidance. Option C is incorrect because the notary may notarize anywhere in the state. Option D is
incorrect because suspension is not automatic.
4 Which of the following individuals is eligible to apply for a Texas notary public commission?
A) A 17-year-old Texas resident who has a valid driver's license and is employed in a law office.
B) A permanent resident alien who has been lawfully admitted for residence and resides in Texas.
C) A person who has been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military.
D) A person who has been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor involving moral turpitude within the past five
years.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.002 requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and a resident of Texas.
Permanent resident aliens are eligible because they are lawful residents. Option A is incorrect because the applicant
is under 18. Option C is incorrect because dishonorable discharge disqualifies under §406.004(a)(3). Option D is
incorrect because a Class B misdemeanor involving moral turpitude is a disqualifying offense under §406.004(a)(1)
if within the past five years.
5 A notary public applicant submits a completed application, pays the required fee, and files a $10,000 bond with
the county clerk. However, the applicant inadvertently fails to take the oath of office before the county clerk. Is
the applicant commissioned?
A) Yes, because the bond and fee are the primary requirements.
B) Yes, because the oath is automatically administered upon filing the bond.
C) No, because the oath of office is a mandatory prerequisite to the issuance of the commission.
D) No, but the commission can be issued retroactively once the oath is taken.
Answer: C
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.005 requires that before a notary public may perform any duties, the
notary must take the official oath and file it with the county clerk. The oath is a substantive requirement, not a mere
formality. Without the oath, the commission is not effective. Option A is incorrect because the oath is essential.
Option B is incorrect because the oath must be personally taken. Option D is incorrect because the commission
cannot be issued retroactively; the oath must precede the commission.
6 A Texas notary public's four-year commission expires on June 1, 2026. The notary submits a renewal
application on May 15, 2026, but the Secretary of State does not process it until June 10, 2026. During the
period June 1 to June 10, the notary continues to perform notarizations. Which of the following statements is
accurate?
A) The notarizations are valid because the renewal application was timely filed.
B) The notarizations are voidable until the commission is renewed.
C) The notarizations are invalid because the notary's commission had expired.
D) The notarizations are valid if the notary had a reasonable belief that the renewal would be granted.
Answer: C
Rationale: A notary public's commission expires on the date stated on the commission certificate. There is no grace
period for continuing to act after expiration, even if a renewal application is pending. The notarizations performed
after expiration are invalid. Option A is incorrect because timely filing does not extend the current commission.
,Option B is incorrect because the acts are void, not voidable. Option D is incorrect because reasonable belief is not
a defense.
7 An applicant for a Texas notary commission has been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for theft of services
five years and six months ago. The applicant has completed all terms of the sentence, including payment of
restitution. Under Texas Government Code §406.004, which of the following is correct?
A) The applicant is ineligible because the conviction is for a crime involving moral turpitude.
B) The applicant is eligible because more than five years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence.
C) The applicant is ineligible unless the conviction has been expunged.
D) The applicant is eligible because a Class A misdemeanor does not disqualify a notary applicant.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004(a)(1) disqualifies a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude within the past five years. Theft of services is a crime involving moral turpitude. Since
the conviction was over five years ago and the sentence is completed, the disqualification period has passed. Option
A is incorrect because the five-year bar has expired. Option C is incorrect because expungement is not required.
Option D is incorrect because a Class A misdemeanor can disqualify if it involves moral turpitude and is within
five years.
8 A Texas notary public is commissioned and files the required $10,000 bond with the county clerk. During the
commission term, the notary is sued for negligence in performing a notarization, and a judgment is entered
against the notary for $15,000. The bond is exhausted paying the judgment. Which of the following best
describes the notary's status?
A) The notary's commission is automatically revoked upon exhaustion of the bond.
B) The notary must immediately obtain an additional bond or the commission is suspended.
C) The notary may continue to act, but the bond is insufficient to cover future claims.
D) The notary's commission remains valid, but the notary must file a new bond within 30 days.
Answer: D
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.010 requires that a notary public maintain a bond in the full amount. If the
bond is exhausted, the notary must file a new bond. Failure to do so may result in suspension or revocation after
notice. The commission does not automatically revoke, but the notary cannot continue without a bond. Option A is
incorrect because revocation is not automatic. Option B is incorrect because the statute provides a 30-day period to
file a new bond. Option C is incorrect because the notary must maintain a bond.
9 Which of the following statements regarding the eligibility of a person who has been adjudicated bankrupt to
serve as a Texas notary public is correct?
A) Bankruptcy adjudication disqualifies a person from being a notary public.
B) Bankruptcy adjudication does not disqualify a person, but the notary must disclose it on the application.
C) Bankruptcy adjudication disqualifies a person only if the bankruptcy involved fraud.
D) Bankruptcy adjudication has no effect on eligibility for a notary commission.
Answer: D
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.004 does not list bankruptcy as a disqualifying factor. Therefore, a person
who has been adjudicated bankrupt is eligible to apply for a notary commission. There is no requirement to
disclose bankruptcy on the application unless it is part of a larger pattern of financial irresponsibility that might
indicate lack of integrity, but the statute itself does not bar such applicants. Options A, B, and C are incorrect
because bankruptcy is not a statutory disqualification.
, 10 A Texas notary public's commission is revoked by the Secretary of State for a violation of notary law. The
notary wishes to apply for a new commission immediately after the revocation. Under Texas law, which of the
following is correct?
A) The notary may apply immediately for a new commission.
B) The notary must wait one year from the date of revocation before reapplying.
C) The notary must wait five years from the date of revocation before reapplying.
D) The notary is permanently barred from holding a commission.
Answer: B
Rationale: Texas Government Code §406.011 provides that a person whose commission has been revoked is
ineligible to apply for a new commission for one year from the date of revocation. This waiting period is designed
to allow for rehabilitation and to deter misconduct. Option A is incorrect because immediate reapplication is not
allowed. Option C is incorrect because the waiting period is one year, not five. Option D is incorrect because the
bar is not permanent.
11 A Texas resident was convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for theft five years ago. The individual has
completed all terms of probation and paid all fines. Which of the following best describes the individual's
eligibility to apply for a notary public commission in Texas?
A) The individual is eligible because the conviction was a misdemeanor, not a felony, and more than two years
have passed since completion of the sentence.
B) The individual is ineligible because any conviction involving moral turpitude, including a Class A
misdemeanor, permanently disqualifies the applicant.
C) The individual is ineligible because theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and the disqualification period is five
years from the date of conviction, which has not yet elapsed.
D) The individual is eligible because the conviction was a misdemeanor, and the Secretary of State has discretion
to waive the disqualification after two years from completion of the sentence.
Answer: C
Rationale: Under Texas Government Code §406.004, a person is disqualified from receiving a notary commission if
convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude within the past five years. Theft is considered a crime of moral
turpitude. The disqualification runs from the date of conviction, not completion of sentence. Option C correctly
states the five-year period from conviction. Option A is incorrect because the crime involves moral turpitude and
the period is five years, not two. Option B is wrong because the disqualification is not permanent; it is for five
years. Option D is incorrect because the Secretary of State does not have general discretion to waive this
disqualification.
12 A Texas notary public commission expires on June 30, 2026. The notary submitted a renewal application and
fee on June 15, 2026, but the Secretary of State did not process it until July 5, 2026. During the period from
July 1 to July 5, the notary performed a notarization. Which of the following statements is correct?
A) The notarization is valid because the renewal application was filed before the expiration date, and the
commission is considered continuous.
B) The notarization is invalid because the commission had expired on June 30, and the notary had no authority to
act until the renewal was approved.
C) The notarization is valid only if the notary had a temporary extension granted by the Secretary of State.
D) The notarization is invalid, but the notary may cure the defect by submitting a late renewal within 30 days.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Texas law, a notary commission expires on the date stated in the commission, and there is no
grace period. The notary's authority ends on the expiration date, regardless of a pending renewal application. The
notarization performed after June 30 is void because the notary lacked legal authority. Option A is incorrect
