Notarization costs between $5 and $25 per signature in most states, with the exact price set by your state's government

The cost of notarization depends entirely on where you live. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge, and that maximum ranges from $5 per signature in some states to $25 or more in others. A notary cannot charge more than the state allows, but can charge less — so you may find notaries offering discounts, especially if you need multiple documents notarized at once.

The fee covers one signature on one document. If a document has two places that need notarizing, or if you have five separate documents, you pay per signature, not per visit. Some notaries charge a travel fee if you ask them to come to your home or office, which is separate from the per-signature cost.

The fastest way to find out the exact cost in your state is to call a notary directly — most are listed in your phone book or online — and ask what they charge. You can also contact your state's Secretary of State office, which publishes the maximum allowed fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, ranging from $5 to $25 depending on where you live.
  • The fee is per signature, not per document, so a document with two notarized signatures costs twice as much as one with one signature.
  • Travel fees are separate from the per-signature cost and explore only if you request the notary to meet you outside their office.
  • Calling a notary directly is the fastest way to learn the exact price, since notaries can charge less than the state maximum.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum allowed fee if you want to verify what a notary quotes you.

State-by-state fee ranges

States with the lowest maximums include Colorado, Florida, and Louisiana, where notaries can charge $5 per signature. States in the middle range — $10 to $15 per signature — include California, New York, and Texas. A few states allow higher fees: New Hampshire permits up to $25 per signature, and some states have different rates depending on whether the notary is commissioned by the state or works for a bank or title company.

If you are moving documents between states or working with an out-of-state notary, ask them what their state allows. A notary licensed in New Hampshire cannot charge a New Hampshire rate to notarize a document in Florida — they must follow Florida's rules, which cap the fee at $5.

Your state's Secretary of State website lists the maximum fee. Search "[your state] notary public fees" to find the official page, which usually also lists what notaries can and cannot charge for travel, copies, or other services.

Where to find a notary and what to expect to pay

Banks, credit unions, and title companies often notarize documents for free if you are a customer. Call ahead to ask whether they offer the service and whether there is a fee. Many do it at no cost as a customer service.

If your bank does not offer notarization or you are not a customer, search online for "notary public near me" or check your phone book. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies employ notaries. Call first to confirm they are available and ask their fee — it will be at or below your state's maximum.

If you need the notary to travel to you — your home, office, or hospital — expect to pay the per-signature fee plus a travel fee. Travel fees are not capped by most states and typically range from $10 to $50 depending on distance, but ask before you book.

What happens if you pay more than the legal maximum

If a notary charges you more than your state allows, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office. The office oversees notary licensing and can investigate overcharging. Keep your receipt as proof of what you paid.

In practice, overcharging is uncommon because most notaries know the rules and want to keep their license. If you are quoted a price that seems high, call another notary to compare — you have no obligation to use the first one you find.

Bulk notarization and discounts

If you need many documents notarized at once, some notaries offer a discount on the per-signature fee. This is legal — the state maximum is a ceiling, not a floor. Ask whether the notary will reduce the rate if you have five or ten signatures to notarize instead of one.

Corporate notaries and title companies sometimes charge less per signature for bulk work because the time investment is lower. It never hurts to ask, and you may save $5 to $10 on a large batch of documents.

Notarization for remote or online documents

Some states now allow remote notarization — the notary verifies your identity by video call instead of meeting in person. Remote notarization usually costs the same as in-person notarization, sometimes slightly more because the notary uses specialized software. Check whether your state permits remote notarization by searching "[your state] remote notary" on your Secretary of State website.

Remote notarization is faster if you cannot leave your home or office, but it requires that your state has passed a law allowing it. Not all states have, so confirm before you search for a remote notary.

What you need to bring to a notary

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see it in person (or on video if remote notarization is allowed). Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it, then add their seal and signature.

If you do not have a photo ID, some notaries will notarize based on other forms of identification, but this varies by state. Call ahead and ask what the notary accepts if you do not have a standard ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document they sign or have a financial interest in. The whole point of notarization is that an independent third party confirms your identity and that you signed willingly. You must use a different notary.

Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?

No. If the notary makes an error — wrong date, misspelled name, missing seal — they should redo it at no extra charge. If they refuse, contact your state's Secretary of State office to report them.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?

Some notaries work evenings and weekends, but you will need to search for them specifically. Call ahead — most notaries work standard business hours. A few mobile notaries work flexible schedules and will come to you, but expect to pay a higher travel fee for off-hours service.

Can a notary refuse to notarize something?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they suspect fraud, if you do not have proper ID, or if the document is illegal. They can also refuse if they have a personal interest in the document. If a notary refuses, find another one — there is no obligation to explain their reasoning to you.

Is the cost the same for all types of documents?

Yes. A notary charges the same fee whether you are notarizing a power of attorney, an affidavit, a real estate document, or anything else. The fee is per signature, not per document type.