Question 1

What are the standard notary fees in Texas for 2026?

Accepted Answer

For 2026, the standard notary fees in Texas remain as updated in 2023. A Texas notary public can charge $10 for the first signature on an acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument. For each additional signature on the same instrument, the fee is $1. Oaths or affirmations with a certificate and seal also cost $10, as does a certificate under seal not otherwise provided for. These fees are set by Texas Gov't Code §406.024.

Question 2

Are there any specific "klb taxes" on notary services in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no specific "klb taxes" or sales taxes applied to notary services in Texas. The term "klb taxes" is not recognized in official Texas statutes regarding notary fees. The costs associated with notarization are service fees, not taxes. Notaries are bound by the fee schedule outlined in the Texas Government Code §406.024, which specifies maximum charges for various notarial acts. Any query regarding "klb taxes" for notary services likely refers to these state-mandated maximum fees.

Question 3

How much can a notary charge for remote online notarization (RON) in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, a notary can charge up to $25 for a remote online notarization (RON) in addition to the standard notarial fees. This means if a standard notarial act, like an acknowledgment, costs $10, the total for an online notarization could be up to $35 ($10 standard fee + $25 RON fee). This additional fee for online services is permitted under Texas Government Code §406.111, acknowledging the technology and infrastructure required for RON. It's distinct from any imagined "klb taxes."

Question 4

Can a mobile notary charge extra for travel or after-hours service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a mobile notary can charge additional fees for travel, mileage, or after-hours services, provided these charges are disclosed and itemized separately from the notarial act fee. For example, some notaries might charge based on mileage, such as the IRS 2025 mileage rate of $0.70 per mile, or a flat travel fee. DFW Notary, for instance, might charge $100 for late-night service plus $10 per notarization, or $2 per mile over 15 miles.

Question 5

What are the penalties for a notary charging more than the legal maximum fees?

Accepted Answer

Exceeding the maximum fees set by Texas law can lead to serious consequences for a notary public. Notaries who charge more than the legally allowed amount risk criminal prosecution. Furthermore, their notary commission can be suspended or even permanently revoked by the Texas Secretary of State. It is illegal for a notary to demand or accept fees beyond those stipulated in the Texas Government Code §406.024 and §406.111.

Question 6

When will Texas notary fees be adjusted next after 2023?

Accepted Answer

The Texas Secretary of State is mandated to adjust notary fees every five years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. The last increase occurred in 2023, raising the first signature acknowledgment fee from $6 to $10. Based on this five-year cycle, the next fee adjustment would likely be due around 2028. There has been no reported update or planned adjustment for 2026.

Question 7

Do real estate documents have different notary fees in Texas?

Accepted Answer

While real estate documents often require multiple notarized signatures and additional services, the individual notarial act fees remain the same as defined by Texas law. For example, each acknowledgment signature is $10 for the first and $1 for subsequent. However, mobile notaries specializing in loan signings for real estate closings often charge a higher flat fee for the entire service due to the complexity, time commitment, and travel involved.

Question 8

What is the maximum fee for an acknowledgment in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, a notary public can charge a maximum of $10 for the first signature on an acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument. For each additional signature on the same instrument, the maximum fee is $1. These fees are strictly regulated by Texas Gov't Code §406.024. This clarifies what people might mistakenly refer to as "klb taxes" related to acknowledgments.

Question 9

How much can a notary charge for an oath or affirmation with a certificate and seal?

Accepted Answer

For administering an oath or affirmation that includes a certificate and seal, a Texas notary public may charge a maximum of $10. This fee is outlined in Texas Gov't Code §406.024. It's important for individuals needing such services, like those preparing affidavits, to understand this specific cost, separate from any perceived "klb taxes".

Question 10

What is the fee for a certificate under seal not otherwise specified?

Accepted Answer

If a notarial act requires a certificate under seal but isn't specifically listed elsewhere in the fee schedule, the maximum charge a Texas notary can impose is $10. This general provision covers various less common certifications. Understanding this helps avoid confusion when inquiring about charges for unique documents.

Question 11

Are there separate fees for witnessing a deposition or protesting a bill?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Texas law specifies separate fees for these acts. For swearing a witness to a deposition, the fee is $10. For taking a deposition, it's $1 per 100 words. Protesting a bill or note costs $4, with an additional $1 for each notice of protest and $4 for the certificate and seal. These detailed fees are part of the official schedule, not "klb taxes."

Question 12

How often are Texas notary fees adjusted by the Secretary of State?

Accepted Answer

The Texas Secretary of State is required to adjust notary fees every five years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. The last adjustment occurred in 2023, increasing some fees. The next adjustment is anticipated around 2028. This regular review ensures fees reflect economic changes, but no updates are expected for 2026.

Question 13

What is the additional fee for Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, a notary public can charge up to an additional $25 for performing a remote online notarization (RON). This fee is added to the standard fee for the notarial act itself, as per Texas Government Code §406.111. For example, an online acknowledgment would cost $10 (standard) + $25 (RON fee) for a total of $35. This covers the technology and secure platform required for RON, distinct from any "klb taxes".

Question 14

Can mobile notaries charge for mileage or travel time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mobile notaries are permitted to charge for mileage, travel time, and other expenses related to providing mobile services, provided these charges are clearly disclosed and itemized separately from the notarial act fees. For instance, some notaries might charge the IRS standard mileage rate, which was $0.70 per mile for 2025. These are service fees for the convenience of travel, not part of the base notarial fee.

Question 15

Are there extra charges for after-hours or weekend mobile notary services?

Accepted Answer

Many mobile notaries charge premium rates for services performed after standard business hours, on weekends, or during holidays. These charges are for the notary's availability and flexibility. For example, a notary might charge an additional $100 for late-night service, as noted by DFW Notary. These are legitimate convenience fees and should be disclosed upfront.

Question 16

How do mobile notary fees for complex documents like wills or powers of attorney compare?

Accepted Answer

While the per-signature notarial fee remains constant, mobile notaries often charge a higher flat rate for complex documents like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. This is due to the increased time, care, and sometimes specialized knowledge required for these documents, which often involve multiple signatures and careful verification. A notary might charge $50 for a Power of Attorney notarization, encompassing travel and the standard notarial acts.

Question 17

Is there a sales tax on mobile notary or RON services in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no sales tax applied to mobile notary or remote online notarization services in Texas. Notary fees are considered service charges and are not subject to sales tax. The fees charged are strictly the statutory maximums for the notarial acts and any separately itemized, agreed-upon convenience fees like travel or RON surcharges. There are no "klb taxes" in the form of sales tax on these services.

Question 18

What is required for a notary to charge additional fees beyond the standard notarial act?

Accepted Answer

For a notary to charge additional fees, such as for travel, mileage, or convenience, these charges must be clearly disclosed to the client and itemized separately from the statutory notarial fees. The client must agree to these additional charges before the service is rendered. Transparency is key to avoiding disputes and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Question 19

What are the consequences for a Texas notary who overcharges for services?

Accepted Answer

A Texas notary public who charges more than the maximum fees established by law faces serious legal repercussions. This can include criminal prosecution for official misconduct, as well as the suspension or revocation of their notary commission by the Texas Secretary of State. These penalties are designed to protect the public from exploitation.

Question 20

Can a notary refuse service if a client disputes additional charges?

Accepted Answer

A notary can refuse to perform a notarial act if the client is unwilling to pay the legally permissible fees or any additional, clearly disclosed, and agreed-upon charges for travel or convenience. However, a notary cannot refuse service based on discrimination. The refusal must be based on legitimate reasons, such as fee dispute or an incomplete document, not arbitrary preference.

Question 21

How can a consumer verify the legal maximum notary fees in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Consumers can verify the legal maximum notary fees by consulting the Texas Government Code §406.024 and §406.111, which are publicly available through the Texas Legislature Online website. This allows individuals to confirm what a notary can legally charge for various acts, ensuring they are not subjected to overcharging or misinformed by claims of "klb taxes" or other unofficial fees.

Question 22

Is it permissible for a notary to charge a flat fee for a package of services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a mobile notary can charge a flat fee for a package of services, particularly for complex assignments like real estate closings or estate planning documents. However, this flat fee must effectively incorporate the statutory notarial fees and any additional charges for travel or time, with the notarial act fees not exceeding their individual maximums. The total should be transparently communicated and agreed upon.

Question 23

What would be the typical cost to notarize a simple affidavit requiring one signature?

Accepted Answer

For a simple affidavit requiring one signature and an oath/affirmation with a certificate and seal, the typical cost in Texas would be $10. This is the maximum fee allowed for this specific notarial act under Texas Gov't Code §406.024. If a mobile notary is involved, additional travel fees would apply, but the notarization itself remains $10.

Question 24

How much might it cost to notarize a Power of Attorney (POA) with two signers?

Accepted Answer

A Power of Attorney (POA) with two signers would typically involve two acknowledgments. The first signature would cost $10, and the second signature would cost $1, totaling $11 for the notarial acts. If a mobile notary is used, a flat fee may be charged for the service, such as $50, which would encompass these notarial fees plus travel and convenience. No special "klb taxes" apply to POAs.

Question 25

What are the notarial fees for a real estate deed requiring multiple signatures?

Accepted Answer

For a real estate deed requiring multiple signatures, each individual acknowledgment signature would be charged according to the state schedule: $10 for the first signature and $1 for each subsequent signature on the same instrument. For example, a deed with three signers would incur $10 + $1 + $1 = $12 in notarial fees. Mobile notaries often charge a higher overall fee for real estate closings due to complexity and time.

Question 26

Are there different fees for notarizing immigration documents?

Accepted Answer

The notarial fees for immigration documents are the same as for any other document type, governed by Texas Gov't Code §406.024. An acknowledgment for one signature would be $10, an oath/affirmation $10, and so on. There are no specialized "klb taxes" or unique fee schedules for immigration-related notarizations. Any additional costs would stem from mobile notary travel or expedited service fees.

Question 27

What is the cost for getting an office copy of a document certified by a notary?

Accepted Answer

If you need an office copy of a document certified by a notary public in Texas, the fee is $1 per page. This fee covers the notary's service in preparing and certifying the copy. This is another specific fee outlined in the Texas Government Code, separate from any general "klb taxes" people might inquire about. It's important to clarify if you need a certified copy or just a notarized signature on a copy you provide.

klb taxes: Your Questions Answered

Need a notary?

Understanding Standard Texas Notary Fees (Addressing "klb taxes")

Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Mobile Notary Service Costs

Legal Limits, Disclosures, and Penalties for Notary Fees

Notarization Costs for Specific Documents and Scenarios

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