Notary services are not free, but the cost is usually small

A notary public charges a fee for witnessing your signature and stamping a document. The amount varies by state and by notary — there is no single price. Most notaries charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge per document or per page instead. A few notaries working for banks or government offices may not charge you anything, but this is the exception, not the rule.

The fee is separate from any cost to obtain the document itself. If you need a birth certificate notarized, you pay the vital records office for the certificate, then pay the notary separately to witness it. Understanding where the charges come from helps you budget and know what to expect when you walk in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature, though rates vary by state and individual notary.
  • Some banks and credit unions offer notary services to customers at no charge, so check with your own financial institution first.
  • Government offices like courthouses sometimes have notaries on staff who do not charge, but availability is limited and hours are restricted.
  • Mobile notaries who come to your home or office typically charge more — often $25 to $50 or higher — because of travel time.
  • The notary fee is separate from the cost of the document being notarized.

Where to find notaries who charge nothing or less

Your bank or credit union is the first place to check. Many institutions offer notary services to account holders at no cost as a customer benefit. Call the branch where you have an account and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for members. Some banks limit this to checking or savings account holders, while others extend it to all customers.

County courthouses and some city government offices employ notaries. These are typically available during business hours and do not charge a fee, but the wait can be long and hours are often limited to morning or early afternoon. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available and to learn what documents you can bring.

Law offices sometimes offer notary services to clients at no charge as part of their relationship, especially if you are already paying them for legal work. If you are working with a lawyer on a matter, ask whether notarization is included.

What you pay at a private notary office

A notary public working independently or as part of a notary service charges a per-signature fee set by state law or by their own business decision. In most states, the maximum fee is set by statute — for example, New York caps notary fees at $2 per signature for most documents, while California allows up to $15. Some notaries charge less than the maximum, and some charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature.

You can find private notaries through an online search, through your state's notary directory (if your state maintains one), or by calling local UPS stores, FedEx locations, or title companies — many of these businesses employ notaries. Prices are not always posted online, so call ahead to confirm the fee and whether the notary is available without an appointment.

Mobile notaries and travel fees

A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or hospital to notarize documents. This service costs more because the notary is traveling to you. Expect to pay $25 to $50 or more, depending on distance and how many signatures you need. Some mobile notaries charge a base fee plus a per-signature fee, while others charge a flat rate for the visit.

Mobile notaries are useful when you cannot leave home, when you need notarization outside normal business hours, or when you have many documents that require multiple signatures. Search online for "mobile notary near me" or ask your bank whether they can refer you to one. Read reviews and confirm the fee structure before booking.

How to reduce notary costs

Combine multiple documents into one visit if possible. If you have three documents that each need one signature, ask the notary whether they charge per document or per signature — you may save money by having all three notarized in one appointment rather than three separate ones.

Check whether your employer offers notary services. Some large companies have notaries on staff or reimburse employees for notary fees as a workplace benefit. Ask your human resources department.

Plan ahead so you can use a free or low-cost option instead of a mobile notary. If you know you need notarization in two weeks, you have time to visit your bank or a courthouse. If you need it tomorrow, a mobile notary may be your only choice, and the higher cost reflects that urgency.

What happens if you do not notarize a document

Some documents require notarization by law — power of attorney forms, real estate deeds, and certain affidavits are common examples. If the law requires it and you do not have it notarized, the document may not be accepted by a court, a government office, or a financial institution. The cost of notarization is usually much smaller than the cost of redoing the work or dealing with a rejected document later.

Other documents are notarized by choice — for example, you might notarize a letter of recommendation or a statement to add weight to it, even if it is not legally required. In these cases, notarization is optional, and you decide whether the benefit is worth the fee.

State-by-state fee limits

Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge. Some states allow notaries to set their own fees below the maximum, while others require all notaries to charge the same amount. A few states do not set a limit at all. If you are shopping for a notary, knowing your state's maximum helps you spot overcharging.

You can find your state's notary fee rules through your secretary of state's office website. Search "[your state] notary public fees" to find the official limit. If a notary charges more than the state maximum, report it to your secretary of state's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do banks always notarize for free?

Most banks offer free notary services to account holders, but not all. Some banks charge a small fee even for customers, and some do not have a notary on staff. Call your bank to ask. Credit unions are more likely to offer the service free than banks are.

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary public is a third party who witnesses your signature and confirms your identity. You cannot notarize your own documents. The whole point is that an independent person verifies that you signed it.

What if I need notarization outside business hours?

Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends, though they charge more for off-hours service. Some 24-hour UPS stores have notaries available. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Is the notary fee tax deductible?

It depends on why you are notarizing the document. If it is for a business purpose or a tax-related matter, you may be able to deduct it. Consult a tax professional or your accountant about your specific situation.

What if the notary makes a mistake?

If a notary notarizes a document incorrectly — for example, by not checking your ID or by dating it wrong — you can ask them to correct it. If they refuse or if the mistake causes you financial loss, you can file a complaint with your secretary of state's office, which licenses notaries.