What Is a Texas Telephone Solicitation Bond?
Texas telephone solicitation bonds ensure that companies comply with telemarketing laws according to Section 302.001 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code.
Prohibited acts include the following:
- Failing to list the reason for calling/messaging
- Not identifying the business being promoted
- Calling during quiet hours
The bond protects any person who is injured by a violation of this act from financial loss up to the full $10,000 bond amount.
How Much Do Texas Telemarketing Bonds Cost?
The Texas Secretary of State’s Registration Unit requires any business attempting to sell merchandise or services by phone or SMS messaging to file a $10,000 surety bond as financial security.
You can buy your bond instantly online for $100 or save 25% by selecting a multi-year term. We'll deliver your official bond form via email within minutes of purchase.
Who Needs a Telephone Solicitation Bond?
Initially, only businesses making phone call solicitations needed a Texas telemarketing bond. As of September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 140 includes SMS text messages under the definition of telephone solicitations. Now, any person or business calling or sending promotional texts to customers in Texas must be registered and bonded as a telephone solicitor.
However, several exemptions apply. Read our blog post on the new Texas telemarketing laws to learn more and determine if you need a bond.
What’s the Fine Print?
Telephone solicitation bonds in Texas remain in full force and effect for one year. The principal or the surety can cancel the bond by providing written notice of the intent to cancel to the Secretary of State at least 90 days prior to the effective date of cancellation.
If the cancellation is at the request of the surety, the surety must also provide the principal with written notification at least 90 days prior to the effective date of cancellation.
How to Register as a Texas Telephone Solicitor
It is illegal to act as a telephone solicitor in Texas without first becoming registered with the Secretary of State’s office. You'll need to include the following materials and information when filing your registration statement:
- Copy of the business agreement, bylaws, or organization outlines
- Different trade names under which the business operates
- Complete street address of each location of the seller, designating the principal location
- List of any person with management duties
- Employer’s quarterly report
- Description of products/services being sold
- Copies of scripts, lines, instructions, and information for the process of telephone solicitation
- $200 registration fee
- Proof of $10,000 surety bond or other financial security
Once approved, the SoS will issue your registration certificate which is valid for one year.
Take the first step toward becoming a registered telemarketer in Texas by purchasing your surety bond today.
More Resources
- Navigating Texas SMS Marketing Laws | Senate Bill 140
- Telephone Solicitation Bond
- Telephone Solicitation Registration Statement
- Texas Secretary of State Statutory Documents Forms Index Telephone Solicitation
- Business and Commerce Code Title 10. Use of Telecommunications Subtitle A. Telephones Chapter 301. Telephone Solicitation Practices
