Texas Notary Fees: $6.25 Max Per Signature (2026)
Quick answer: Texas notaries can charge a maximum of $6.25 per notarial act (per signature), recently raised from $6.00. A mobile notary in Texas typically costs $50 to $150 total including travel. Many Texas banks notarize for free for account holders.
Texas Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature
Texas Government Code Section 406.024 sets the maximum notary fee at $6.25 per notarial act. This amount was recently increased from $6.00, marking the first fee adjustment in years. It applies to acknowledgments, jurats (oaths/affirmations), and other standard notarial acts.
Texas falls in the lower-middle range nationally — above New York ($2), Ohio ($5), and Pennsylvania ($5), but well below California ($15) and Florida ($10).
What counts as one act? Each signature that needs notarizing is a separate notarial act. Three documents requiring notarized signatures = three acts at $6.25 each = $18.75 total. At this rate, the per-act fee is a relatively small part of the total cost when using a mobile notary.
Texas notaries may charge less than $6.25 but cannot exceed it. Many banks and businesses in Texas absorb the notary fee entirely for their customers. For a full comparison across all 50 states, see our complete guide to notary costs. Compared to other large states, California allows $15 per act and Florida allows $10.
Additional fee notes: Texas notaries can also charge up to $6.25 for administering an oath or affirmation (without a written document), and up to $0.50 per 100 words for certified copies of certain documents.
Mobile Notary Costs in Texas
When a Texas notary travels to your location, the travel fee is separate from the per-act fee. Texas does not regulate mobile notary travel fees.
| Service | Major Metro Areas | Smaller Cities / Rural TX |
|---|---|---|
| Standard daytime (within 15 mi) | $50–$100 total | $40–$75 total |
| Evening or weekend | $75–$150 total | $50–$100 total |
| Rush / same-day | $100–$175 total | $75–$125 total |
| Hospital or care facility visit | $100–$175 total | $75–$150 total |
| Late night or holiday | $150–$250 total | $100–$200 total |
These totals include both the $6.25 per-act fee and the travel charge. A mobile notary who charges a $70 travel fee plus the $6.25 per-act fee would cost $76.25 for one signature or $88.75 for three signatures.
Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth pricing are similar and tend to be the highest in the state due to urban sprawl and traffic. Standard weekday mobile notary appointments in these metros typically run $60–$125, with rush and evening appointments reaching $125–$200.
San Antonio and Austin pricing is moderate, generally in the $50–$100 range for standard daytime appointments, though Austin has seen prices creep higher with population growth.
El Paso, Lubbock, and rural Texas are the most affordable, though the distances involved in rural areas can lead to higher travel fees despite lower base rates.
Where to Get Free Notary Services in Texas
- Banks and credit unions — Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Frost Bank, BBVA (now PNC), and most credit unions offer free notarization to account holders.
- AAA offices — Members can access free notary services at Texas branch locations.
- Your employer — Large Texas employers commonly have notaries on staff, particularly in energy, real estate, and legal sectors.
- Public libraries — Some Texas library systems offer notary services. Houston Public Library and Dallas Public Library branches are worth checking.
- UPS Store — Widely available across Texas. Typically charges $6.25 per signature (the state maximum).
- County clerk offices — Many Texas county clerk offices provide notary services.
For more options, see our complete guide to free notary services.
Texas Notary Journal Requirements
Texas requires notaries to maintain a record book (journal) of all notarial acts performed. Key requirements:
- Mandatory: All Texas notaries must maintain a journal
- Required entries: Date, type of notarial act, type of document, printed name and address of each signer, type of ID used, fee charged
- Format: Must be a bound book with sequentially numbered pages (or an electronic equivalent meeting state requirements)
- Retention: Must be kept for the life of the notary’s commission and retained for at least 4 years after the commission expires
For the full state-by-state comparison, see our notary journal requirements guide.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Texas
Texas was a pioneer in remote online notarization, becoming one of the first states to authorize RON in 2017. The state has a well-established framework under Texas Government Code Chapter 406, Subchapter C.
- Fully authorized: Texas has had comprehensive RON legislation since 2017
- Typical RON cost: $25–$50 per session through platforms like Notarize, Proof, or other approved providers
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID, knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions, stable internet connection, audio/video capability
- Recording requirement: Texas requires the entire RON session to be recorded and retained for at least 5 years
Texas’s early adoption of RON means the state has a mature ecosystem of technology providers and experienced online notaries. RON is widely accepted for real estate transactions, business documents, and personal legal documents in Texas.
Loan Signing Agent Fees in Texas
Texas has a huge real estate market, and loan signing agents are in high demand. The signing agent is paid by the title company, not by you directly.
| Signing Type | Agent Fee | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard refinance | $75–$150 | Included in closing costs |
| Purchase closing | $100–$175 | Included in closing costs |
| HELOC / second lien | $75–$125 | Included in closing costs |
| Cash-out refinance | $100–$175 | Included in closing costs |
Texas has unique real estate laws, including a three-day right of rescission for certain loans and restrictions on home equity lending. Loan signing agents in Texas must be familiar with these requirements. You will see a “notary fee” line on your closing disclosure, but you do not negotiate this directly.
How to Save Money on Notarization in Texas
- Check your bank first. Free notarization for account holders eliminates the $6.25 per-signature fee entirely. See our guide to getting a document notarized for what to bring.
- Plan ahead. Rush and after-hours fees in Texas metros can push costs well above $150. Scheduling a few days out saves money.
- Batch your documents. At $6.25 per act, fees are manageable, but travel fees multiply if you make multiple trips.
- Use RON. Texas was one of the first RON states, so the option is well-established. A $25 online session can replace an $80+ mobile visit.
- Compare mobile notary quotes. Use FindNotary.io to find and compare notaries near you.
Texas Notary Fee FAQ
Can a Texas notary charge more than $6.25?
No. The $6.25 per notarial act limit is set by Texas Government Code Section 406.024. Exceeding it is a violation that can result in commission revocation. Mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated.
When did Texas raise its notary fee from $6 to $6.25?
The increase from $6.00 to $6.25 per notarial act took effect recently as part of periodic adjustments to the state notary fee schedule. The $6.00 rate had been in place for several years prior.
How much does a mobile notary cost in Houston or Dallas?
Expect $60–$125 for a standard weekday appointment in Houston or the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and $100–$175+ for evenings, weekends, or rush service. Urban sprawl and traffic are the primary cost drivers in both metros.
Is notarization free at Texas banks?
Most major banks and credit unions in Texas offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability, as not every branch has a notary on staff at all times.
Does Texas allow online notarization?
Yes. Texas was one of the first states to authorize remote online notarization (RON) in 2017 and has one of the most established RON frameworks in the country. You can get documents notarized via video call for $25–$50 per session through approved platforms.
Find a notary near you in Texas: Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Austin · Fort Worth · El Paso
Compare other states: California notary fees ($15) · Florida notary fees ($10) · Ohio notary fees ($5) · Illinois notary fees ($5)
Related guides: How much does a notary cost? · Notary journal requirements by state · Free notary services · How to become a notary in Texas