- Required: a state format seal and a bound record book.
- For loan signings, add a dual tray laser printer and a scanner.
- For RON, you mainly need a computer, webcam, and a platform account.
- Buy in the order you earn. Do not overspend on day one.
The most common money mistake new notaries make is overspending on day one. You do not need much to start, and the right approach is to buy the essentials, then add gear only when real work calls for it. Here is the kit, in order of priority.
This is general information, not legal advice.
The essentials (required)
- A Texas seal or stamp.It has to follow the state format, showing "Notary Public, State of Texas," a five pointed star, your name, your notary ID number, and your expiration date. See our step by step guide for the exact size rules.
- A bound record book (journal). You are required to log every notarization, and Texas now expects you to keep those records for ten years. A sewn, bound book is the standard.
- Reliable black ink pens. Simple, but signings stall without good pens.
For loan signings
If you plan to do loan signings, add:
- A dual tray laser printer. Loan packages are long and mix letter and legal sized pages, so a fast dual tray laser is the standard tool. Inkjet is too slow and too costly per page.
- A document scanner. Many signings require scan backs the same day.
- Reliable transportation. You are mobile, and being on time is the job.
For Remote Online Notarization
To add RON, you mainly need a computer with a good webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and an account with a RON platform. The platform supplies the identity verification, video, and electronic seal tools.
What to skip at first
Branded marketing kits, premium bags, and gadgets can wait. They are nice, but they do not book a single signing. Spend on the tools that let you say yes to paid work, and add the extras once the income is real.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm seal and recordkeeping rules with the Texas Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
What supplies are required by Texas law?
You must have an official seal or stamp that meets the state format rules, and you are required to keep a record book of your notarizations.
Do I need a special printer?
For loan signings, yes. A dual tray laser printer that handles both letter and legal paper is the standard, because loan packages mix paper sizes and run long.
What should I avoid buying on day one?
Skip the expensive extras until real work demands them. Start with the required seal and journal, add a printer when you take loan signings, and grow from there.
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Zeltmann Notary
A bilingual Texas Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent, with Remote Online Notarization available statewide. Practical guidance from real day to day signing work.