Notary services are not free, but the cost is usually small
A notary public charges a fee for their work. The amount varies by state and by the notary themselves — some charge $5 per signature, others charge $15 or more. A few notaries offer the service at no cost, but this is rare and usually happens only if they know you personally or work for an organization that employs them.
The fee covers the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and explore their official seal. Even though notaries are commissioned by the state, they are not government employees in most cases, and they set their own prices within state limits.
Key Takeaways
- Notary fees range from $5 to $15 per signature in most states, though some states set a maximum and others do not.
- Banks often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, so calling your bank first can save you money.
- Shipping and real estate companies sometimes employ notaries who notarize for customers at no charge as part of their service.
- Online notaries charge between $25 and $50 per document and require a video call, but work outside business hours.
Where notaries are free or low-cost
Your bank is the first place to check. Most banks notarize documents for account holders at no cost. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and to ask whether you need an appointment. Some branches are busier than others, and a few smaller banks do not have a notary on staff.
Credit unions often do the same. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask whether notary services are included for members. Many are, and the process is usually quick.
Shipping stores like UPS and FedEx employ notaries and charge a fee — typically $10 to $15 per signature — but they are open longer hours than banks and do not require you to be a customer. Libraries in some states and counties offer notary services free or at a small cost. Call your local library to ask whether they have a notary on staff.
How much notaries charge when you pay out of pocket
State law sets a maximum fee in some states but not others. In states with a cap, the limit is often $5 to $10 per signature. In states without a cap, notaries can charge what they want, though most stay in the $10 to $15 range for a single signature.
If a document has multiple signatures or requires the notary to travel to you, the cost goes up. A traveling notary might charge $25 to $50 or more, depending on distance. Ask the notary for their full fee before they do the work so there are no surprises.
Online notaries charge between $25 and $50 per document. They work through video call and can notarize documents outside normal business hours, which makes them useful if you need service on a weekend or evening. However, not all documents can be notarized online — some states restrict it to certain types of paperwork.
How to find a notary near you
Start with your bank or credit union. If neither offers the service, search online for "notary public near me" or check the National Notary Association's notary locator tool at their website. You can also call your county clerk's office — they often keep a list of notaries in your area or can point you toward one.
When you call a notary, ask for their fee, their hours, and whether they require an appointment. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — because the notary must verify your identity before they notarize anything. Bring the unsigned document as well.
What to bring when you visit a notary
You need a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are.
Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it — they cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived. If the document is not yet printed, print it before you go. If you are not sure whether a document needs notarizing, bring it anyway and ask the notary.
Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. Some notaries take only cash, so calling ahead to ask about payment methods saves a wasted trip.
Common mistakes that cost you time or money
Signing the document before you see the notary is the most common mistake. The notary must watch you sign. If you have already signed, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will have to get a new copy printed and sign it again in front of them.
Forgetting your ID is another one. Without a photo ID, the notary cannot verify your identity and cannot do the work. If you are not sure which ID to bring, call ahead and ask.
Assuming your bank will notarize for free without checking first wastes time. Some banks do, some do not, and some only notarize for certain types of documents. A quick phone call confirms whether your bank offers it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay if the notary is at my bank?
Most banks notarize for free if you have an account with them. Call your bank to confirm they offer the service and whether you need an appointment. If you do not have an account, they may charge a fee or decline to notarize.
Can I notarize a document online?
Some states allow online notarization through video call, and some do not. Online notaries charge $25 to $50 per document. Check your state's notary laws or ask the online notary whether your document type can be notarized remotely.
What if I need a notary on a weekend?
Most banks and notary offices are closed on weekends. Online notaries often work weekends and evenings. Shipping stores like UPS and FedEx are open on Saturday and sometimes Sunday, and they have notaries on staff for a fee.
Can I notarize something I wrote myself?
Yes. A notary does not care what the document says — they only verify that you are who you claim to be and that you signed it in front of them. Bring your photo ID and the unsigned document.
What if I lose the notarized document?
You will need to get it notarized again. The notary keeps a record of the notarization, but they cannot issue a copy of the original document. Print a new copy and bring it to a notary with your ID.