Texas notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature, depending on the notary and the type of document

Texas law sets a maximum fee of $6 per signature for notaries commissioned by the state. However, this is a ceiling, not a floor — many notaries charge less, and some charge more by offering additional services like travel to your location or rush processing. The actual amount you pay depends on whether you use a notary at a bank, a dedicated notary business, or a mobile notary who comes to you.

The $6 limit applies only to the notarization itself — the act of witnessing your signature and affixing the notary seal. Notaries can legally charge separate fees for things like copying documents, mailing, or travel time, which can push your total cost higher. Understanding what is included in the base fee and what costs extra will help you budget and shop around.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas law caps notary fees at $6 per signature for state-commissioned notaries, though many charge less.
  • Bank notaries often notarize documents free or at low cost for account holders, but may charge $10 to $15 for non-customers.
  • Mobile notaries who travel to you typically charge $15 to $25 per signature plus a travel fee of $10 to $50 depending on distance.
  • Fees for copying, scanning, mailing, or rush service are separate from the notarization fee and vary widely.
  • Asking the notary upfront what the total cost will be, including any add-on fees, prevents surprises at the time of service.

Where to find notaries and what each type typically charges

Your bank or credit union is often the cheapest option. Most banks offer free notarization for account holders and charge $10 to $15 for non-customers. Call your branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Some branches have a notary available during all business hours; others have one person who works specific days.

Dedicated notary businesses — often found in strip malls, UPS stores, or as independent offices — usually charge $5 to $10 per signature. These notaries are faster than banks because notarization is their only job. You can walk in without an appointment at many locations, though calling ahead to confirm they are available is wise.

Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or another location you choose and charge $15 to $25 per signature plus a travel fee. Travel fees range from $10 to $50 depending on how far they have to go. This option costs more but saves you time if you are busy or have mobility issues. Search online for "mobile notary near me" or ask your real estate agent or attorney for a referral.

What the $6 Texas maximum covers and does not cover

The $6 per signature limit covers only the notarization — the moment the notary watches you sign, verifies your identity, and stamps the document with the official seal. This is the core service. If a document requires two signatures, you pay $6 per signature, so $12 total for that one document.

Anything beyond the notarization itself is a separate charge. If the notary needs to photocopy pages, scan a document, mail it to you, or travel to your location, those are add-on fees not covered by the $6 cap. A notary might charge $1 per page for copying, $5 for scanning, $10 for mailing, or $25 for traveling 20 miles. Ask what each service costs before you commit.

Rush service — completing the notarization faster than normal — may also carry an extra fee, though this is less common in Texas than in other states. Some notaries offer it for an additional $5 to $10 if you need the document the same day.

How to compare notary costs and avoid surprises

Call or email three notaries before you book. Tell them exactly what you need: how many documents, how many signatures per document, whether you need copies made, and whether you want the notary to come to you. Ask for the total cost, not just the per-signature fee. This one step prevents most surprises.

If you are using a bank, ask whether the notary is free for account holders and whether you need to schedule an appointment. Some banks require you to call ahead; others take walk-ins. If you are using a mobile notary, confirm the travel fee applies to your address and whether there is a minimum charge.

For documents related to real estate, your title company or real estate agent often has a preferred notary or can notarize certain documents themselves. Ask whether that service is included in your closing costs before you pay a notary separately.

When notaries cannot charge the $6 fee or charge more

Notaries who are not commissioned by the state of Texas are not bound by the $6 limit. Some law firms, title companies, and corporate offices have in-house notaries who may charge whatever they want. If you are using a notary through a business rather than an independent notary, ask what they charge — it could be free as part of a service, or it could be higher than $6.

Notaries commissioned in other states cannot legally notarize documents in Texas unless they also hold a Texas commission. If you accidentally use an out-of-state notary, the notarization may not be valid in Texas, and you will have to pay to do it again. Always confirm the notary is commissioned in Texas before you hand over your documents.

What documents typically need notarization in Texas

Powers of attorney, affidavits, and real estate deeds almost always require notarization in Texas. Loan documents, adoption papers, and certain healthcare directives also commonly need a notary. Your lender, attorney, or the organization requesting the document will tell you whether notarization is required.

Some documents — like a straightforward letter or a contract between two people — do not legally require notarization in Texas, but one party may ask for it anyway to make the document stronger as evidence. If you are unsure whether a document needs notarization, ask the person who requested it or call a notary and describe the document. Most notaries will tell you over the phone whether it needs notarization and what it will cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online in Texas?

Texas allows remote notarization for certain documents through a process called remote online notarization (RON). You sign the document on a video call with a notary, and the notary witnesses your signature electronically. Fees are usually $15 to $30 per signature because the notary uses special software. Not all documents may have access to — ask the notary whether your document can be notarized remotely.

What if I need notarization on a weekend or after hours?

Most banks and notary offices are closed on weekends. Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends for an additional fee of $10 to $25 on top of their regular charge. Search online for "24-hour notary near me" or "weekend notary" to find notaries with extended hours in your area.

Do I have to use a Texas notary, or can I use one from another state?

The notary must be commissioned in Texas to notarize a document for use in Texas. A notary from another state cannot legally notarize your Texas documents, even if they are commissioned in their home state. Always confirm the notary holds a current Texas commission before you meet.

What happens if a notary makes a mistake on my document?

If a notary notarizes your signature incorrectly — for example, misspelling your name on the seal or dating it wrong — you will need to have it notarized again by a different notary. The first notary should correct the error for free, but if they refuse or are unavailable, you can pay another notary to redo it. Keep the original document and bring it to the second notary so they understand what went wrong.

Can I notarize my own documents?

No. A notary cannot notarize their own signature or a document they have a financial interest in. If you are a notary and need a document notarized, you must use a different notary. This rule exists to prevent fraud.