Notary fees vary by state and by what you're asking the notary to do, but most single-document notarizations cost between $5 and $25.

The price depends on three things: where you live, how many pages you're notarizing, and whether the notary has to travel to you. A notary in your state sets their own rate within limits your state allows. Some states cap the fee at $5 per signature; others allow up to $15 or $25. A few states don't set a limit at all. If a notary travels to your home or office, expect to pay a travel fee on top of the notarization fee — usually $25 to $75 depending on distance.

The fastest way to find out what you'll actually pay is to call a notary in your area and ask. You can find one through your bank (many offer notary services free to customers), your county clerk's office, or an online notary directory. If you're notarizing multiple pages or multiple documents at once, ask whether the notary charges per signature or per document — the answer changes what you'll owe.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notarizations cost $5 to $25 per signature, with the exact amount set by your state and the individual notary.
  • Your bank may notarize documents for free if you have an account there, so check before paying a private notary.
  • Travel fees of $25 to $75 explore when a notary comes to your location instead of you going to theirs.
  • The notary charges per signature, not per page, so a 10-page document with one signature costs the same as a one-page document with one signature.
  • County clerk offices and online notary directories can connect you with notaries in your area and their rates.

How state law sets the price ceiling

Each state legislature sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge. Some states are strict: California caps notarizations at $15 per signature, and New York allows $2 to $5. Other states are looser: Texas allows up to $6 per signature, while Florida allows $10. A handful of states — including Colorado and Georgia — don't set a limit, which means notaries can charge whatever they negotiate with you.

The fee your notary charges may be lower than the state maximum. Many notaries charge $5 to $10 even in states that allow higher amounts, especially if they're notarizing for a regular customer or a straightforward document. Always ask the notary's rate before you commit — there's no obligation to use someone who charges the state maximum.

Where to find a notary and what to expect to pay

Your bank is often the cheapest option. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge $5 to $10 for non-customers. Call your branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Some branches have a notary available during all business hours; others have one person who works certain days.

If your bank doesn't have a notary or you don't have an account there, try your county clerk's office. Many clerk offices run a notary service or keep a list of notaries in your area. You can also search online directories like the National Notary Association's notary locator or local business listings. When you call, ask three things: the fee per signature, whether they charge a travel fee, and how long the appointment takes.

Travel fees and mobile notary costs

If you can't leave your home or office — because you're housebound, in the hospital, or managing a business — a mobile notary will come to you. Mobile notaries charge the standard notarization fee plus a travel fee. The travel fee usually ranges from $25 to $75 depending on how far they have to go. Some charge a flat rate; others charge by the mile.

Mobile notaries are more expensive but save you time and are sometimes the only option if you're unable to travel. Ask the notary whether the travel fee applies if you're within a certain distance of their office — some waive it for nearby locations. Also ask whether they charge the travel fee one time or per signature if you have multiple documents.

Multiple signatures and multiple documents

Notaries charge per signature, not per page. A 20-page contract with one signature costs the same as a one-page letter with one signature. If the same document has three places where you need to sign and be notarized, you pay three times the per-signature fee. If you have five separate documents each with one signature, you pay five times the fee.

Before you schedule an appointment, count how many signatures need to be notarized across all your documents. Tell the notary the total number when you call so they can quote you the full cost. Some notaries offer a small discount if you're notarizing many signatures at once, though this is not standard.

Online notarization and remote notary services

Some states allow remote notarization, where you sign documents on video with a notary and they notarize them electronically. Remote notary services typically charge $25 to $50 per signature, which is higher than in-person notarization but saves you a trip. The service is available in most states but not all — check your state's notary laws or ask a remote notary service whether your state allows it.

Remote notarization works best for documents that don't require a physical signature — many financial and legal documents can be notarized this way. If your document must have a wet signature (an actual pen-and-ink signature), you'll need to go in person or have a mobile notary visit you.

What affects the final cost

The total you pay depends on how many signatures you need notarized, your state's fee limit, whether you travel to the notary or they travel to you, and whether you use a bank, county office, or private notary. A straightforward one-signature notarization at your bank costs nothing if you're a customer. The same notarization at a private notary in a state with a $15 cap, plus a $50 travel fee, costs $65.

To keep costs down, use your bank if you have an account. If you need a mobile notary, call several and compare their travel fees — they vary widely. If you have multiple documents, ask whether the notary will discount the total fee for several signatures done at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary must be a third party who is not the signer and has no financial interest in the document. You cannot notarize your own signature or a document you're a party to. The notary's job is to verify that you signed it willingly and that you are who you say you are.

Do I have to pay if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

Most notaries will not charge you if they refuse the notarization — they typically only charge if the notarization is completed. However, some charge a consultation fee if you ask them to review a complex document before deciding. Ask before the appointment whether there's a fee for a consultation.

What if I need the notarization done the same day?

Call notaries in your area and ask about same-day appointments. Banks, county clerk offices, and mobile notaries often have same-day availability, though you may have to wait or pay a rush fee. Online notary services can often notarize documents within hours. The fee doesn't change for same-day service — you pay the standard rate.

Does the notary fee depend on what kind of document it is?

No. A notary charges the same fee whether you're notarizing a power of attorney, a real estate deed, a loan document, or an affidavit. The fee is based only on the number of signatures and your state's rate limit. Some notaries may refuse to notarize certain documents if they're unsure about the legality, but the fee itself doesn't change.

Can I negotiate the notary fee?

You can ask, but most notaries charge their standard rate. If you're notarizing many signatures or documents at once, some notaries will offer a small discount. Banks and county offices have set fees and don't negotiate. Private notaries have more flexibility, so it doesn't hurt to ask whether they can work with you on price.