Notary public services are not free, but they are usually inexpensive
A notary public charges a fee for witnessing your signature and stamping a document. The cost is set by state law, not by the notary themselves. Most states cap the fee between $0.50 and $15 per signature, though some allow higher charges for travel or additional services. A few places—including some banks for their customers and some government offices—offer notary services at no charge, but this is the exception, not the rule.
The fee you pay depends on where you live and where you go to have the document notarized. A notary working at a UPS Store or FedEx location charges differently than one at a law office or title company. Understanding what you might pay and where to find affordable options helps you plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, ranging from $0.50 to $15 in most states.
- Banks often notarize documents free for account holders, and some government offices offer the service at no cost to the public.
- UPS Store, FedEx, and other retail locations charge notary fees that fall within your state's legal limit.
- If you need multiple signatures notarized on the same document, you may pay per signature rather than per document.
How state law sets the price you pay
Each state legislature sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge. This is a ceiling, not a floor—a notary can charge less, but cannot charge more. The fee structure varies widely. Some states allow a flat rate per notarization (one signature), while others permit different rates for different types of documents or services.
A few states have very low caps: Louisiana allows $1 per signature, while California allows $15. Most states fall somewhere in the middle, typically $2 to $10 per signature. If a document has multiple pages requiring multiple signatures, you may be charged per signature rather than per document, so a five-signature deed could cost $10 to $50 depending on your state and the notary's rate.
Travel fees and rush services sometimes fall outside the per-signature cap. If you ask a notary to come to your home or office, they may charge a travel fee on top of the notarization fee. Check your state's notary regulations or ask the notary directly before booking.
Where you can get notary services free or nearly free
Your bank is often the easiest place to start. Most banks notarize documents free for customers who have an account with them. You do not need an appointment at many banks—you can walk in during business hours and ask. Bring your document and a photo ID. If you do not have a bank account, this option is not open to you.
Some government offices notarize documents at no charge. County clerk offices, secretary of state offices, and some public libraries offer free notary services. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. A few states allow their notaries to charge a small fee even at government offices, so ask what the cost is before you go.
Law offices and title companies sometimes notarize documents free if you are a client or if the document relates to a transaction they are handling. If you are buying a house or working with an attorney, ask whether notarization is included in your service.
What you pay at retail notary locations
UPS Store, FedEx Office, and similar retail locations employ notaries and charge the maximum allowed by your state. A UPS Store notary in California might charge $15 per signature, while the same service in Louisiana costs $1. These locations are convenient because they have extended hours and locations in most towns, but you will pay the full legal fee.
Online notary services have grown in recent years and charge fees that vary by company and by state. Some charge $25 to $50 per notarization, which is higher than in-person rates but may be worth it if you cannot travel or need service outside normal business hours. Check whether your state allows online notarization before using this option—not all states do.
Pharmacies and shipping stores sometimes employ notaries as well. Call ahead to confirm they have one on staff and what their fee is. Hours and availability vary by location.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring the unsigned document, a photo ID, and cash or a card to pay the fee. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, then they will stamp and sign it themselves. This usually takes five to ten minutes.
Some notaries require an appointment, especially at law offices and title companies. Retail locations and banks usually accept walk-ins, but calling ahead saves you a trip if the notary is busy or out. Ask whether the notary needs to see the document before you arrive—some will not schedule an appointment without knowing what they are notarizing.
If you are notarizing a document that requires a specific type of notarization (such as an acknowledgment or a jurat), tell the notary when you call or arrive. The notary will know what language and process the document requires.
Notary fees for specific document types
Most notaries charge the same fee regardless of what document you are notarizing. A signature on a power of attorney costs the same as a signature on an affidavit. However, some notaries charge extra for documents that require additional work, such as travel, multiple signers, or documents that are not in English.
If you are notarizing a document for a loan, mortgage, or real estate transaction, ask the lender or title company whether they have a preferred notary or whether they will cover the cost. Some lenders pay for notarization as part of the closing process. If you are paying out of pocket, budget $5 to $15 per signature depending on your state and location.
How to find a notary near you
Search online for "notary public near me" to find locations in your area. Google Maps, Yelp, and your state's notary directory (usually on the secretary of state website) all list notaries. Call ahead to confirm the fee, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
Your bank is the first place to check if you have an account. Ask at the customer service desk or call the branch directly. If your bank does not offer notary services, ask whether they can refer you to a notary nearby.
Your state's secretary of state office maintains a list of commissioned notaries. You can search by county or city to find notaries in your area. This directory does not always include retail locations like UPS Store, so use it alongside an online search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document myself?
No. A notary must be a third party who is not signing the document and has no financial interest in it. If you are the person whose signature is being notarized, you cannot be the notary. This rule exists to prevent fraud.
What if I cannot afford the notary fee?
Check whether your bank offers free notarization for account holders. Call your county clerk or public library to ask whether they notarize documents at no charge. Some legal aid organizations also offer free notary services to low-income people—search your state's legal aid directory online.
Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?
If the notary makes an error that requires you to have the document notarized again, ask the notary to redo it at no charge. Most notaries will do this because the error is their responsibility. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with your state's notary regulatory body, usually the secretary of state.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if the signer appears to be under duress, or if the signer cannot prove their identity. A notary can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest, such as being related to the signer or having a financial stake in the transaction.
Is an online notary cheaper than in-person?
Usually not. Online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per notarization, which is higher than the $1 to $15 you would pay in person. Use online notarization if you cannot travel or need service outside business hours, not to save money.