Texas notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries

In Texas, a notary public cannot charge more than the amounts set by the Texas Secretary of State. The maximum fee for most notarial acts is $6 per signature. This applies to acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations — the most common services a notary performs.

Some notarial acts have different limits. A notary can charge up to $5 for certifying or attesting a copy of a document. Travel fees are allowed if the notary goes to you, but the law does not set a maximum for travel — that is negotiated between you and the notary. Many notaries charge $0.50 to $2 per mile or a flat rate of $25 to $50 for a trip.

These are maximum fees, not minimum fees. A notary can charge less, or nothing at all. Some notaries offer free notarization as part of a service — banks often notarize documents for account holders at no cost, for example.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas law caps notary fees at $6 per signature for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations.
  • Copying and certifying a document costs no more than $5 per copy under state law.
  • Travel fees are not capped by law and are negotiated directly with the notary.
  • A notary charging less than the maximum, or nothing at all, is legal and common.
  • If a notary charges more than the state maximum, you can report them to the Texas Secretary of State.

What counts as a notarial act and what it costs

An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act. The notary watches you sign a document and confirms your identity. This costs up to $6. You will see acknowledgments on real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and loan documents.

A jurat is a sworn statement. The notary watches you sign and swear or affirm that the contents are true. This also costs up to $6. Jurats appear on affidavits and court documents.

An oath or affirmation — where you swear or affirm something without signing a document — costs up to $6. A certified copy of a document you already have costs up to $5. If you need multiple copies certified, the notary can charge $5 for each one.

Some notaries offer package deals or discounts if you need several documents notarized at once. These are legal as long as no single act exceeds the state maximum.

Travel fees and when a notary comes to you

If you ask a notary to come to your home, office, or hospital, they can charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. Texas law does not set a cap on travel costs, so notaries set their own rates. A typical range is $0.50 to $2 per mile, or a flat fee of $25 to $75 depending on distance and the notary's location.

Always ask about travel fees before the notary arrives. Some notaries include travel in their service area for free or charge a flat rate regardless of distance. Others charge by the mile. Getting this in writing or confirmed by phone prevents surprises.

If you are in a hospital, nursing home, or prison, the notary may charge a higher travel fee because access is restricted or the visit takes longer. This is legal under Texas law.

Where to find a notary and what to expect to pay

Banks, credit unions, and law offices often notarize documents for free or a small fee. If you have an account at a bank, call and ask — many do it at no cost for customers. UPS stores, FedEx Office, and some pharmacies offer notary services for around $5 to $15 per signature, depending on location.

Independent notaries advertise online or through local directories. Search "notary public near me" to find options and call ahead to ask about fees. Some notaries work from home offices, others from storefronts. Prices vary, but none can legally exceed the state maximum.

If you need a notary quickly, mobile notaries come to you — they are worth the travel fee if you cannot leave your location. Check reviews and confirm the fee structure before booking.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see it to confirm your identity. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned and ready for your signature. The notary will watch you sign it.

If you are getting an acknowledgment, you are straightforward confirming that you signed the document of your own free will. If you are getting a jurat, you will swear or affirm that the contents are true. Know which one you need before you arrive — the document itself usually says, or the person who asked you to get it notarized will tell you.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. Most notaries take both, but some mobile notaries prefer cash. Ask when you book.

Reporting a notary who overcharges

If a notary charges more than the state maximum, you can report them to the Texas Secretary of State, Notary Public Division. The office investigates complaints about notaries who violate state law, including fee violations.

File a complaint online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. Include the notary's name, the date of the service, what you were charged, and what the maximum should have been. The office will contact the notary and may take disciplinary action if the complaint is upheld.

You can also ask for a refund from the notary directly. If they refuse and the charge was illegal, the complaint process is your recourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge different fees for different types of documents?

No. The fee is based on the type of notarial act — acknowledgment, jurat, oath, or certified copy — not on what the document is. Two acknowledgments cost $12 total, whether one is a deed and one is a power of attorney.

What if I need multiple signatures notarized on the same document?

The notary charges $6 per signature. If three people sign the same document, the cost is $18. If one person signs in two places on the same document, it is $12.

Are online or remote notaries subject to the same fee limits?

Yes. Remote notaries in Texas must follow the same state fee limits as in-person notaries. Some remote notary services charge platform fees on top of the notary fee, so ask about the total cost before you start.

Do I have to pay the full maximum fee?

No. A notary can charge less than the maximum or nothing at all. The $6 per signature is a ceiling, not a requirement. Many notaries charge $5 or less, and some offer free notarization.

What if a notary says they charge by the hour instead of per signature?

That is not legal in Texas. Notaries must charge by the act, not by the hour. If a notary quotes you an hourly rate, ask them to convert it to a per-signature fee or find another notary.