Notarization fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries, and they range from $0.50 to $15 per signature in most states

A notary public cannot charge whatever they want. Each state legislature sets a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to collect. In most states, the fee falls between $2 and $10 per signature or document page. Some states cap it lower—Louisiana allows $1 per signature—while others go higher. New York, for example, allows up to $2 per signature but notaries often charge less. A few states, including Florida and Texas, set no statewide cap, which means fees can vary more widely.

The fee you pay depends on three things: which state you are in, how many signatures need notarizing, and whether the notary is charging you as an individual or as part of a business service. A single signature on one document might cost $5 in one state and $10 in another. If you need five signatures notarized, you pay per signature, so the total rises. Some notaries also charge travel fees if you ask them to come to your home or office, though this is separate from the notarization fee itself.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum notary fee, which ranges from under $1 to $15 per signature depending on where you live.
  • You pay per signature or per document page, not per visit, so multiple signatures on one trip cost more than a single signature.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some employers offer notary services to customers or employees for free or at a reduced rate.
  • Travel fees, if a notary comes to you, are charged separately from the notarization fee and vary by location and distance.
  • Asking the notary their fee before the appointment prevents surprises, since many notaries charge less than the state maximum.

Where to find the fee schedule for your state

Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum fee notaries can charge. You can search "[your state] notary fees" online or visit your Secretary of State website directly. The fee schedule is usually listed under notary public information or regulations. Some states post it as a straightforward table; others embed it in the notary statute itself.

Once you know the state maximum, remember that individual notaries may charge less. Many charge $3 to $5 per signature even if the state allows $10. Calling ahead and asking what the notary charges takes 30 seconds and saves you from guessing.

Free or low-cost notarization through banks and employers

Many banks and credit unions offer notary services to account holders for free. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have notaries on staff. You do not need an appointment at many branches—you can walk in during business hours. Call your bank's main number or visit a local branch to ask whether they offer the service and whether you need to be a customer.

Some employers also have notaries available to employees at no charge. If you work for a large company, a government agency, or a school, check with human resources or your administrative office. Credit unions are especially likely to notarize for members at no cost, even if you are only asking for one signature.

If you do not have a bank account or employer notary, your next cheapest option is often the county clerk's office or a public library. Many libraries have notaries available during regular hours, sometimes for free or for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Travel fees and additional charges

If you ask a notary to travel to your home, office, or another location, they can charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. This fee is not capped by state law in most places, so it varies widely. A notary traveling 5 miles might charge $10 to $25 in travel fees; one traveling 20 miles might charge $50 or more. Some notaries charge by the mile; others charge a flat fee.

Always ask about travel fees before requesting an in-person visit. Many notaries in urban areas will travel for a reasonable fee, but rural notaries may charge more because distances are greater. If you are in a rural area and the travel fee is high, visiting the notary's office instead may be cheaper.

What affects the total cost of notarization

The final amount you pay depends on how many signatures or pages need notarizing. If you are notarizing a single-page document with one signature, you pay one fee. If the same document has three signatures, you pay three times the per-signature fee. Some states charge per page instead of per signature, so a 10-page document with one signature costs more than a one-page document with one signature.

Certified copies—where a notary makes a copy of a document and certifies that the copy matches the original—may have their own fee schedule. Some states allow notaries to charge the same per-page fee for certified copies as for notarizations; others set a different rate. Ask the notary whether they offer certified copies and what they charge.

How to estimate your total notarization cost

Start by finding your state's maximum fee. Count how many signatures you need notarized or how many pages require certification. Multiply the per-signature or per-page fee by that number. If you are asking the notary to travel, add the travel fee. That gives you the maximum you should pay.

Then call a local notary or your bank and ask what they actually charge. Many charge less than the state maximum. If you are using a bank or library, ask whether there is any fee at all. Once you have a quote, you know what to expect and can decide whether to proceed or look for a cheaper option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me more than the state maximum?

No. State law sets a ceiling on notary fees, and notaries cannot legally charge more. If a notary quotes you a price above your state's maximum, that is illegal. You can report it to your state's Secretary of State office. However, notaries can charge less than the maximum, and many do.

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

No. If a notary makes an error that requires the document to be notarized again, you should not be charged twice. Tell the notary about the mistake and ask them to correct it at no additional cost. If they refuse, contact your state's Secretary of State office.

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

Mobile notaries and some private notary services work evenings and weekends, but they typically charge higher fees than daytime notaries. You may also pay a premium travel fee. Call ahead to ask about weekend availability and pricing. Banks and libraries are usually closed on weekends, so a mobile notary is often your only option.

Is there a difference in cost between notarizing in person and by video?

Some states now allow remote notarization by video. The per-signature fee is usually the same as in-person notarization, but you avoid travel fees. Not all states permit video notarization yet, so check your state's rules first. If it is allowed, ask the notary whether they offer it and whether the fee is the same.

Do I pay the notary or the company that hired them?

If you use a bank or employer notary, you pay nothing—the institution covers the cost. If you hire a private notary, you pay the notary directly, usually in cash or by card at the time of service. Some notaries invoice you afterward if you request it, but most expect payment on the spot.