The actual cost to become a notary depends on your state, but most people spend between $50 and $300 total

The largest expense is your notary commission itself. States set their own fees for issuing a commission, and they range from $0 in some states to $200 or more in others. On top of that, you'll pay for a notary bond (usually $50 to $150), a seal or stamp ($15 to $50), and possibly a journal to record your notarizations ($10 to $30). Some states require fingerprinting or a background check, which adds another $20 to $100. A few states charge nothing at all; others charge everything listed here.

The total is almost always a one-time cost. You renew your commission every four or five years, and renewal fees are usually lower than the initial commission. After your first year, your main ongoing expense is replacing your seal if it wears out—a rare cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's notary commission fee is the largest single cost and ranges from $0 to $200 depending on where you live.
  • A notary bond, required in most states, typically costs $50 to $150 and protects the public if you make a mistake.
  • A notary seal or stamp costs $15 to $50 and is a one-time purchase unless it breaks.
  • Some states require fingerprinting or a background check, which can add $20 to $100 to your total cost.
  • Renewal fees four or five years later are usually lower than your initial commission fee.

Breaking down the commission fee by state

Your state's Secretary of State office sets the commission fee, and it varies widely. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge per year of the commission term. For example, New York charges around $60 for a four-year commission, while California charges $40 for a four-year term. Texas charges $50 for a four-year commission. Some states like Florida charge $112.50 for a four-year term. A few states—including North Dakota and South Dakota—charge nothing at all for the commission itself.

To find your state's exact fee, visit your Secretary of State website and search for "notary public commission fee" or "notary process." The fee is always listed on the official process form. Do not rely on third-party notary websites for this number, because they sometimes quote outdated fees.

What a notary bond costs and why you need one

A notary bond is an insurance policy that protects the public if you make a mistake during a notarization—for example, if you notarize a signature without properly verifying the signer's identity. The bond does not protect you; it protects people who suffer a loss because of your error. Most states require a bond between $10,000 and $25,000 in coverage.

Bond costs depend on the coverage amount and your state, but most notaries pay $50 to $150 for a four- or five-year term. You buy a bond from a bonding company, not from your state. After you get your bond, you'll receive a bond certificate that you may need to submit with your commission process. Some states do not require a bond at all—check your state's requirements before you buy one.

Notary seal and journal expenses

A notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser) is the physical tool you use to mark documents. It costs $15 to $50 depending on the type and where you order it. An embosser, which creates a raised impression, typically costs more than an ink stamp. You can order seals from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialty notary suppliers. Some states have specific requirements about what the seal must show—usually your name, the state, and your commission expiration date—so check your state's rules before ordering.

A notary journal is a bound book where you record details of each notarization you perform: the signer's name, the document type, the date, and your fee. Most states require you to keep a journal, though a few do not. A blank journal costs $10 to $30. You can also use a digital journal if your state allows it, which may cost nothing or a small annual fee depending on the software.

Fingerprinting and background check costs

Some states require you to submit fingerprints or pass a background check as part of your notary process. If your state requires this, you'll need to visit a fingerprinting service—often a police station, sheriff's office, or private fingerprinting company. The cost ranges from $20 to $100 depending on where you go and whether the service is government-run or private. A few states conduct the background check themselves at no extra cost to you; others require you to pay for it separately.

Check your state's notary process instructions to see whether fingerprinting is required. If it is, the instructions will tell you where to go and what to expect. Do not get fingerprinted until you know your state requires it, because the prints are state-specific and cannot be transferred.

Renewal costs four to five years later

When your commission expires, you'll renew it with your state. Renewal fees are usually the same as or slightly lower than your initial commission fee. For example, if you paid $60 for your first four-year commission in New York, renewal will cost around $60 again. You'll also need to renew your bond at the same time, which costs roughly the same as your original bond.

Your seal does not expire, so you do not need to replace it unless it breaks or becomes illegible. If you do need a new seal, that's another $15 to $50. Some notaries replace their seal every few years anyway to keep the impression clean and clear, but that's optional.

Ways to reduce your costs

If your state does not require a bond, you can skip that expense entirely—check your state's requirements first. Some states allow you to buy a bond for a shorter term (two years instead of four) at a lower price, though this means you'll renew more often. A few employers—banks, law firms, title companies—will pay for your notary commission and bond if you work for them, so ask your employer before paying out of pocket.

When ordering your seal, compare prices between office supply stores and online retailers. Prices vary, and ordering online is often cheaper. Make sure you order a seal that meets your state's requirements; an incorrect seal can make your notarizations invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a notary bond if my state doesn't require one?

No. If your state does not require a bond, you do not have to buy one. However, some notaries buy a bond anyway for professional liability protection. Check your state's notary requirements to see whether a bond is mandatory.

Can I use a digital seal instead of a physical stamp?

It depends on your state. Some states allow digital seals for remote notarizations; others require a physical embosser or stamp. Check your state's notary rules before you buy a seal. If you plan to notarize documents in person only, a physical seal is standard and required in all states.

What happens if I lose my notary seal?

You'll need to order a replacement seal, which costs $15 to $50. Some states also require you to notify the Secretary of State if your seal is lost or stolen. Check your state's rules and order a replacement as soon as possible, because you cannot notarize documents without a seal.

Is the notary bond refundable if I don't use it?

No. A bond is an insurance policy, and the premium is non-refundable, just like car insurance or home insurance. You pay for the coverage period whether you use it or not. If you decide not to become a notary, you cannot get your bond fee back.

Can I deduct notary costs on my taxes?

If you become a notary as part of a business or self-employment, your commission, bond, seal, and journal may be deductible business expenses. Talk to a tax professional or accountant about what you can deduct in your situation.