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

Texas law caps what a notary public can charge you. The maximum fee is $6 per notarial act — that is the amount set in the Texas Government Code. A notary cannot charge more than this, no matter where they work or how busy they are.

One notarial act means one signature witnessed and certified. If you need three documents notarized, that is three separate acts and three separate $6 fees. Some notaries charge less than the maximum — many charge $5 or $3 — but none can legally charge more than $6 per act.

The fee applies whether you visit the notary in person or they come to you. Mobile notaries (who travel to your home or office) cannot charge extra for travel time on top of the per-act fee, though some charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial fee — that is legal and separate from the $6 cap.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas law sets a maximum of $6 per notarial act; notaries cannot charge more than this amount.
  • One notarial act is one signature on one document, so multiple documents mean multiple fees.
  • Mobile notaries can charge a travel fee on top of the per-act fee, but the notarial act itself is still capped at $6.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some employers offer notary services to customers or employees at no charge.
  • Notaries must be commissioned by the Texas Secretary of State to charge any fee at all.

Where to find a notary in Texas and what to expect to pay

Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you are a customer. Call ahead — not all branches offer the service, and some limit it to account holders only. This is the cheapest option if you may have access to.

UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies employ notaries and charge the state maximum of $6 per act. Hours are usually longer than a bank's, and you do not need to be a customer. Search online for "notary near me" or check the UPS or FedEx website to confirm a location has a notary on staff before you visit.

Independent notaries advertise in your area and typically charge $3 to $6 per act. Many work from home offices or small storefronts. If you need the notary to travel to you, expect to pay the per-act fee plus a travel fee — often $25 to $75 depending on distance.

What you need to bring to a notary appointment

Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary must see your ID and confirm your identity before notarizing anything.

Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them — they cannot notarize a document you signed before the appointment. If the document is not yet printed, print it before you arrive.

Know what type of notarization you need. Most common is a jurat, where you sign in front of the notary and swear the contents are true. An acknowledgment means you confirm you signed the document of your own free will. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization which type they need — it will be stated in the document itself or in their instructions to you.

Notary fees for specific document types

The $6 cap applies to all notarial acts equally. A notarized power of attorney costs the same as a notarized affidavit or a notarized signature on a real estate form — $6 per document. There is no separate pricing for different document types.

If a document requires multiple signatures from multiple people, each signature is a separate notarial act. If you and your spouse both need to sign and be notarized, that is two acts and two $6 fees. If the same person signs the document twice on different pages, that is typically counted as one act.

Some documents require a certified copy — a notarized photocopy of an original. Texas notaries can provide certified copies, and the fee is still $6 per copy, not per page.

When a notary cannot help and what to do instead

A notary cannot give legal information or tell you whether a document is correct. They only witness your signature and confirm your identity. If you are unsure whether a document is right for your situation, speak with a lawyer before the notary appointment.

Some documents cannot be notarized at all. Wills, for example, require witnesses but not a notary in Texas. Powers of attorney do not always require notarization — check your state or the organization requesting the document to confirm it is actually needed.

If you need a document certified by a government office — such as a certified copy of a birth certificate from the vital records office — a notary cannot provide that. You must request it directly from the issuing agency.

Notary fees for out-of-state documents

A Texas notary can notarize documents that will be used in another state. The $6 Texas fee applies. The document will carry the Texas notary's seal and signature, which most states recognize.

Some states require an additional certification called an apostille for documents used internationally or in certain legal proceedings. A Texas notary cannot issue an apostille — that must come from the Texas Secretary of State. The apostille fee is separate from the notary fee and costs around $5 to $10, but you must request it after the notarization is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge more than $6 in Texas?

No. Texas law sets $6 as the maximum fee per notarial act. A notary who charges more is breaking the law. If you are overcharged, you can file a complaint with the Texas Secretary of State's office.

Do I have to pay if the notary is a friend or family member?

No. A notary can choose to notarize for free. However, they must still be commissioned by the state to perform the notarization legally — friendship does not replace the official seal and signature required by law.

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

Mobile notaries and some UPS or FedEx locations offer evening and weekend hours. Search online for "24-hour notary near me" or "mobile notary Texas" to find options in your area. Weekend or after-hours appointments may include a travel fee on top of the $6 notarial fee.

Can a notary notarize a document they wrote or have a financial interest in?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document if they are a party to it, drafted it, or stand to gain from it. For example, a notary cannot notarize their own power of attorney or a deed to their own property. You must find a different notary.

Is a notarized document the same as a legally binding contract?

No. Notarization only confirms that you signed the document in front of the notary and that you are who you claim to be. It does not make a document legal or enforceable. A lawyer can advise whether a document is legally sound.