“I didn’t think I needed a notary until I almost lost a $400,000 home sale.”

That’s what a Katy homeowner told me last year. The closing was delayed three days because of an improperly notarized document. It cost him $1,200 in penalty fees.

A notary public in Katy, TX is a state-commissioned official who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and administers oaths on important documents. You need one for real estate transactions, power of attorney documents, wills, vehicle title transfers, and any document requiring legal authentication. Most notary services in Katy cost between $6 and $25 per signature.

Here’s what you need to know before your next important signing:

• Real estate closings almost always require notarization
• Texas notary fees are regulated by law (max $6 per signature, plus travel)
• Mobile notaries can come to your home or office
• Some documents need multiple notarized signatures
• Banks offer free notary services, but only for customers

Let’s break down exactly when you’ll need one.

What Does a Notary Public Actually Do?

Think of a notary public as a fraud prevention officer. Simple as that.

Their job? Make sure the person signing a document is who they claim to be. They verify your identity, watch you sign, and place their official seal on the document.

This creates a legal record that you personally signed the document on that specific date. No coercion. No forgery. No funny business.

What Services Does a Notary Provide?

Notaries in Katy, Texas handle several important tasks:

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize. A notary doesn’t verify that the contents of your document are legal or correct. They only verify your identity and witness your signature.

That’s an important distinction.

When Do You Need a Notary Public in Katy, TX?

Short answer? More often than you’d think.

Real Estate Transactions

Buying or selling a home in Katy? You’ll need a notary. Period.

Every real estate closing requires notarized documents. Deeds. Mortgages. Transfer documents. Loan papers. The list goes on.

Most title companies handle this for you during closing. But if you’re doing a private sale? You’ll need to arrange notarization yourself.

Power of Attorney Documents

Giving someone legal authority to act on your behalf is serious business.

Texas requires Power of Attorney documents to be notarized. This applies to:

• General Power of Attorney
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Limited Power of Attorney

Without proper notarization, your POA might not hold up when you need it most.

Wills and Estate Planning

Texas doesn’t require wills to be notarized. But here’s the catch.

A notarized will becomes “self-proving.” That means it can skip probate court verification. Saves your family time, money, and headaches during an already difficult period.

Smart move? Get your will notarized anyway.

Vehicle Title Transfers

Selling a car in Texas? Both the buyer and seller must sign the title. And yes, those signatures should be notarized.

The Texas DMV strongly recommends notarization for title transfers. It protects both parties from fraud claims later.

Business and Legal Documents

Running a business in Katy? You’ll encounter notary requirements regularly:

• Partnership agreements
• LLC operating agreements
• Commercial leases
• Loan documents
• Employment contracts
• Non-disclosure agreements

Other Common Documents Requiring Notarization

Don’t overlook these:

• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Passport applications
• Immigration documents
• Consent forms for minors traveling internationally
• School enrollment documents (sometimes)
• Medical release forms

How Much Does a Notary Cost in Katy, Texas?

Texas law caps standard notary fees at $6 per signature. That’s the maximum for in-office notarization.

But there’s more to it.

Standard Notary Fee Breakdown

Mobile Notary Services

Need a notary to come to you? That’s where costs vary.

Mobile notaries in Katy typically charge:

• Base fee: $6 per signature (state-regulated)
• Travel fee: $25-$75 depending on distance
• After-hours fee: $25-$50 additional
• Weekend/holiday fee: $50-$100 additional

Total cost for a mobile notary visit usually runs $50-$150. Worth it when you can’t leave home or have multiple documents.

Where to Find Free Notary Services

Want to save money? These Katy businesses often offer free notary services to customers:

• Banks and credit unions (for account holders)
• UPS Store locations
• Some insurance agencies
• Real estate offices
• Law firms (for their clients)

Call ahead. Availability varies.

Where Can You Find a Notary Public in Katy, TX?

Katy has plenty of options. Here’s where to look.

Banks and Credit Unions

Most banks offer notary services for account holders. Free of charge in many cases.

Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, and local credit unions in Katy all have notaries on staff. Call your branch first—not all locations have one available every day.

Shipping and Mailing Stores

The UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in Katy provide notary services. Walk-ins usually welcome, but appointments help during busy times.

Law Offices and Real Estate Companies

Attorneys and real estate agents frequently have notaries in their offices. Some serve walk-in clients. Others only work with their existing customers.

Mobile Notary Services

Can’t get to a notary? Have one come to you.

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, hospital, or anywhere you need them. Particularly useful for:

• Elderly or homebound individuals
• Real estate closings at the property
• Business signings during work hours
• Hospital or nursing home visits
• Jail or detention center signings

Search “mobile notary Katy TX” to find local providers.

Online Notarization (Remote Online Notary)

Texas allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). You can get documents notarized via video call.

This works great for simple documents when you can’t meet in person. You’ll need:

• A computer with camera and microphone
• Valid government-issued ID
• Stable internet connection

Not all documents qualify for remote notarization. Check with your receiving institution first.

What Should You Bring to a Notary Appointment?

Don’t waste a trip. Come prepared.

Required Items

• Valid government-issued photo ID (Texas driver’s license, passport, military ID)
• The document to be notarized (unsigned—you must sign in front of the notary)
• All parties who need to sign (everyone must be present)
• Payment (cash or card depending on the provider)

Important Tips

Never sign your document before meeting the notary. Seriously. They must watch you sign.

If your document has blank spaces, fill them in first. Notaries can’t notarize incomplete documents.

Bring a second form of ID if possible. Some notaries require backup identification.

How Do You Become a Notary Public in Texas?

Thinking about becoming a notary yourself? Here’s the process.

Texas Notary Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal Texas resident
• Have no felony convictions
• Be able to read and write English
• Complete a state-approved application

Steps to Become a Texas Notary

1. Complete the application through the Texas Secretary of State
2. Pay the $21 filing fee
3. Obtain a $10,000 surety bond
4. Purchase your notary seal and journal
5. Receive your commission (valid for 4 years)

Total cost runs about $100-$150 including all supplies. Many people become notaries to add value to their business or employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a notary and a lawyer?

Big difference. A notary verifies identities and witnesses signatures. That’s it. They can’t give legal advice, prepare legal documents, or represent you in court. A lawyer does all those things. If you need legal guidance about what you’re signing, talk to an attorney—not your notary.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Absolutely. And they should in certain situations. A notary must refuse if they can’t verify your identity, if you seem confused about what you’re signing, if you appear to be under duress, or if the document is incomplete. It’s part of their fraud prevention role.

Do I need to make an appointment with a notary in Katy?

Depends on where you go. Banks typically require appointments. Mobile notaries definitely need scheduling. UPS Store locations often take walk-ins, but calling ahead saves waiting time. For real estate closings, your title company schedules everything.

How long does notarization take?

Usually 5-15 minutes per document. The notary checks your ID, watches you sign, completes their journal entry, and applies their seal. Simple process. Multiple documents take longer, obviously.

Can any document be notarized remotely in Texas?

No. Texas allows Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but certain transactions still require in-person notarization. Real estate documents involving Texas property often need physical presence. Always confirm with your lender or receiving institution before choosing remote notarization.

What happens if my document is notarized incorrectly?

Problems. Potentially serious ones. An improperly notarized document might be rejected by the receiving party. In real estate transactions, this can delay closings and cost money. In legal matters, it might invalidate the document entirely. Always use a qualified notary who follows proper procedures.

Can a family member notarize my document in Texas?

Technically, yes—if they’re a commissioned notary. But it’s not recommended. Texas law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents where they have a direct financial interest. Family relationships create obvious conflicts. Find an independent notary to avoid complications.

Do notarized documents expire?

The notarization itself doesn’t expire. But the document might have its own validity period. Power of Attorney documents, for example, remain valid until revoked or the principal dies. Affidavits might have time limits depending on their purpose. Check with whoever is receiving your document.

Summary

Here’s what to remember:

• What they do: Verify identity, witness signatures, prevent fraud
• When you need one: Real estate, POA, wills, title transfers, legal documents
• What it costs: $6 per signature (standard), $50-$150 (mobile service)
• Where to find one: Banks, UPS Store, law offices, mobile services
• What to bring: Government ID, unsigned document, all signing parties

Need a Notary in Katy? Take the Next Step

Finding a reliable notary in Katy, TX doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with your bank if you have an account—free notary services save money on simple documents. For real estate transactions or complex signings, a mobile notary brings convenience right to you.

Whatever your document needs, get it notarized correctly the first time. It’s cheaper than fixing mistakes later.