Notary fees vary by state and by the type of document, but most notaries charge between $5 and $20 per signature
The cost to notarize a document depends on where you live and what you're having notarized. Most states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge, and that maximum ranges from $5 per signature in some states to $15 or $20 in others. A few states don't set a limit at all, which means the notary can charge whatever they want—though most still stay in the $5 to $20 range because that's what the market expects.
If your document has multiple signatures that each need notarizing, you'll pay per signature, not per document. A deed with three notarized signatures costs three times the per-signature fee. Travel fees—when a notary comes to you instead of you going to them—are separate and can add $25 to $75 or more depending on distance and the notary's location.
Key Takeaways
- Most notaries charge $5 to $20 per signature, with the exact amount set by your state's maximum fee schedule.
- Multiple signatures on one document mean multiple fees—you pay per signature, not per page or per document.
- Travel fees explore when a notary comes to your home or office and typically range from $25 to $75 depending on distance.
- Banks, credit unions, and some government offices offer notary services free or at a reduced rate to customers or residents.
- Online notary services exist in most states but may charge more than in-person notaries and require video verification.
What your state's maximum fee actually means
Each state publishes a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to charge per signature. This is a ceiling, not a floor—a notary can charge less, but not more. Some states set the maximum at $5 per signature (Louisiana, for example), while others allow up to $15 or $20 (New York allows $2 per signature for acknowledgments but $5 for oaths, while California allows $15 per signature). A handful of states—including Colorado and some others—don't set a maximum at all, which means you should ask the notary their rate before you sit down.
The fee covers the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign, and explore their seal and signature to the document. It does not cover the cost of the document itself, copies, or any other service. If you need certified copies of the notarized document, that's usually a separate fee of $1 to $5 per copy.
Where to find free or low-cost notary services
Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for customers, even if you're just stopping by with a document unrelated to your account. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment. Some branches are busier than others and may turn you away if they're short-staffed that day.
Government offices—your county clerk, secretary of state's office, or courthouse—sometimes offer notary services free or for a small fee to the public. Hours are usually limited to business days, and you may need to wait in line. Real estate title companies and law offices will notarize documents, though they may charge the full state maximum or more if you're not a client.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost through their HR or legal department. If you're a member of AAA, AARP, or certain other membership organizations, check whether notary services are included in your membership benefits.
Travel fees when the notary comes to you
If you can't leave your home or office—because you're bedridden, caring for someone, or managing a business—you can request a mobile notary who will come to you. Mobile notaries charge the standard per-signature fee plus a travel fee. The travel fee depends on how far the notary has to go and how much notice you give.
Travel fees typically start at $25 for a short distance (within 5 to 10 miles) and increase by $5 to $10 per mile beyond that. If you call a mobile notary the same day, expect to pay a rush fee of $25 to $50 on top of the travel fee. Scheduling a few days in advance usually keeps the travel fee at the lower end. Some mobile notaries charge a flat fee instead of a per-mile fee—ask when you call.
Online notary services and their costs
Many states now allow notarization by video, where you sign the document on camera while the notary watches and verifies your identity. Online notary services typically charge $50 to $150 per signature, which is higher than in-person notarization because the service includes identity verification software and a recorded session. The document itself must be printed and signed by you; the notary does not sign a physical copy but instead issues a digital notarization that you attach to your document.
Online notary works well for documents that don't require a wet seal (the physical stamp and signature on paper). Some lenders, government agencies, and other institutions still require a wet seal, so check with whoever is asking for the notarization before you use an online service. The convenience of doing it from home at any hour usually justifies the higher cost for people who can't easily visit a notary in person.
What affects the final price you pay
The number of signatures is the biggest cost driver. A straightforward power of attorney with one signature costs one fee; a deed with three signatures costs three times that. Some documents, like affidavits, require both a notarized signature and an oath, which some states allow notaries to charge separately for—ask the notary whether your document will incur one fee or two.
Timing matters too. Same-day mobile notary service costs more than scheduling a few days ahead. Notarizing on evenings or weekends may trigger an additional fee. If you need the document certified (a notarized copy of an already-notarized document), that's usually a separate charge of $1 to $5 per copy.
Your location affects price indirectly. Rural areas may have fewer notaries, so mobile notary fees are higher because the notary has to travel farther. Urban areas have more competition, so prices tend to stay closer to the state minimum.
How to avoid overpaying
Call ahead and ask the notary their exact fee before you schedule. Don't assume they charge the state maximum—many charge less. If you're using a mobile notary, ask whether they charge per mile or a flat travel fee, and ask what the rush fee is if you need same-day service.
Check whether your bank, employer, or membership organization offers free notary services before you pay a notary. If you have multiple documents to notarize, ask whether the notary will discount the total if you do them all at once—some will, some won't.
If a notary quotes you a price that seems very high, get a second quote. Notaries in the same area should be charging similar amounts. If one notary quotes $100 and another quotes $20 for the same service, the high quote is likely a mistake or the notary is taking advantage of your urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they don't believe you are who you say you are, if the document appears fraudulent, if you seem confused about what you're signing, or if notarizing it would violate state law. A notary cannot refuse based on the content of the document or their personal beliefs about what you're doing, as long as it's legal.
Do I have to pay if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
No. You should not be charged if the notary refuses the job. If a notary charges you and then refuses, ask for a refund. If they won't give one, contact your state's notary regulator (usually the secretary of state's office) to file a complaint.
What if I need a notarized copy of a document that's already notarized?
That's called a certified copy. The notary will compare your original notarized document to a photocopy, verify they match, and stamp and sign the copy. This is usually a separate fee of $1 to $5 per copy, on top of any per-signature fee.
Can I notarize a document I wrote myself?
Yes, as long as you sign it in front of the notary and provide valid ID. The notary is not checking whether the document is fair, legal, or wise—only that you are who you say you are and that you signed it knowingly. If you're unsure whether the document is legally correct, ask a lawyer, not a notary.
Is an online notarization as valid as an in-person one?
In most states, yes—online notarizations are legally valid. However, some lenders, government agencies, and other institutions still require a wet seal (the physical stamp on paper). Always check with whoever is asking for the notarization before you use an online service.