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Bonds |
A surety bond is a great way to guarantee that a large investment in a project is not lost—whether or not the work gets done. A surety bond is an unusual form of insurance in that one person or organization pays for it, while another receives the benefit.
While government agencies commonly insist on a surety bond, it can work with any two organizations. The one that purchases the surety bond is “the principal,” while the one that gets any payout is “the obligee.”
While government agencies commonly insist on a surety bond, it can work with any two organizations. The one that purchases the surety bond is “the principal,” while the one that gets any payout is “the obligee.”
Surety Bonds
- Notary Bonds
- Overweight Permit Bonds
- License and Permit Bonds
- Fidelity Bonds
- Performance and Payment Bonds
Important Update: Texas Notary Process Changes Effective January 1, 2026
All notary applicants are now required to complete state-mandated notary education and testing and use the SOS online portal before their notary bond application can be processed.
Below is a step-by-step overview of the new process and what is required from you.
Texas Notary Application Process – New Requirements
Step 1: Create Your SOS Portal Account
You must first create and verify your Texas Secretary of State (SOS) Portal account.
👉 Create SOS Portal Account
Once your account is verified, you will receive a confirmation email from the state.
Step 2: Select the Correct Notary Application Type
After logging into the SOS Portal:
Step 3: Complete Notary Education & Test
Within the portal:
Step 4: Submit Your Notary Bond Application to AIA
After you have completed the course and passed the test, please complete the Notary Bond Application using the link below and return it to our office.
👉 Notary Bond Application – Submit to AIA Insurance Agency
Once received, we will submit your application to the surety company and electronically file it with the State of Texas.
Step 5: Watch for the State Email & Electronically Sign
After your application is e-filed, you will receive an email from the Texas Secretary of State—often the same day.
🚨 Important: Do not delete this email.
Email Details to Watch For:
Below is a step-by-step overview of the new process and what is required from you.
Texas Notary Application Process – New Requirements
Step 1: Create Your SOS Portal Account
You must first create and verify your Texas Secretary of State (SOS) Portal account.
👉 Create SOS Portal Account
Once your account is verified, you will receive a confirmation email from the state.
Step 2: Select the Correct Notary Application Type
After logging into the SOS Portal:
- Go to the SOS Portal Homepage
- Select Traditional Notary through a Bonding Company (See Example/Walkthrough)
(This is required because we will be e-filing your bond on your behalf.)
Step 3: Complete Notary Education & Test
Within the portal:
- Select Notary Education (Screen Shot Example)
- Complete the required course (approximately 1½ hours)
- Take and pass the required exam
- Cost: $20 (paid directly through the portal)
- Time limit: 30 minutes to complete 20 questions
- If the test times out or is not passed, the fee must be paid again
Step 4: Submit Your Notary Bond Application to AIA
After you have completed the course and passed the test, please complete the Notary Bond Application using the link below and return it to our office.
👉 Notary Bond Application – Submit to AIA Insurance Agency
Once received, we will submit your application to the surety company and electronically file it with the State of Texas.
Step 5: Watch for the State Email & Electronically Sign
After your application is e-filed, you will receive an email from the Texas Secretary of State—often the same day.
🚨 Important: Do not delete this email.
Email Details to Watch For:
- From: [email protected]
- Subject: Notification from Texas Secretary of State – Application Initiated
- Log back into your SOS Portal
- Connect to your notary record
- Go to Dashboard → My Submissions
- Open your application marked “Pending Submission”
- Review, approve, and electronically sign your application
- Please ensure your typed signature matches your application name exactly
- Please ensure your typed signature matches your application name exactly
