Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries, and most states cap the cost between $0.50 and $15 per signature

The price you pay to have a document notarized depends entirely on which state you are in. Each state legislature sets a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to charge, and notaries cannot legally exceed that amount. A few states set no limit at all, but most cap fees somewhere between $0.50 and $15 per signature. Some states charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature, and a handful charge nothing.

The notary themselves cannot decide what to charge you—they follow the law in their state. If a notary quotes you a price higher than your state's maximum, that notary is breaking the law. If a notary charges you nothing, that is legal too. Many notaries who work for banks, credit unions, or title companies notarize documents for free as a service to customers or clients.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, and this amount varies from $0.50 to $15 in most states.
  • Banks, credit unions, and title companies often notarize documents for free if you are a customer or client.
  • You can find the fee schedule for your state by searching "[your state] notary public fees" or calling your state's Secretary of State office.
  • If a notary charges you more than your state allows, you can report them to your state's notary licensing board.
  • Some states charge a single flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures need notarizing, while others charge per signature.

How to find your state's notary fee limit

The fastest way is to search online for "[your state name] notary public fees" or "[your state name] notary fees statute." Most state Secretary of State offices publish the fee schedule on their website, usually in a table that lists the maximum amount for each type of notarial act.

If you cannot find it online, call your state's Secretary of State office directly—they maintain the list and can tell you the exact amount in seconds. You can also ask the notary themselves what the fee is before they notarize your document. A reputable notary will tell you upfront.

Why banks and credit unions often notarize for free

Many financial institutions offer free notarization to customers as a service. This is legal because the state fee cap applies to notaries acting as independent businesses, not to employees of banks or credit unions notarizing documents as part of their job. The institution absorbs the cost as a customer benefit.

If you have a bank account, savings account, or mortgage with a bank or credit union, call and ask whether they offer free notarization. Many do, even if you are not coming in for another reason. Title companies that handle real estate closings also frequently notarize documents at no charge because notarization is part of their standard closing process.

What happens if a notary overcharges you

If a notary charges you more than your state's maximum fee, you have been overcharged and can report it. Contact your state's Secretary of State office or notary licensing board with the notary's name, the date, the amount charged, and the document involved. Most states investigate complaints and can fine or discipline notaries who violate fee limits.

You can also ask the notary for a refund of the amount over the legal limit. Many will comply once you point out the law. Keep your receipt so you have proof of what you paid.

States with no fee cap or unusual fee structures

A small number of states do not set a maximum notary fee, which means notaries in those states can charge whatever they want. These states are rare, but if you live in one, you should ask for a quote before the notary performs the service. Some states also charge a travel fee if the notary comes to your home or business, which is separate from the per-signature fee.

A few states charge one flat fee per document no matter how many signatures are on it, while most charge per signature. If your document has multiple signatures that all need notarizing, ask the notary whether they charge per signature or per document—the total cost will be different depending on the structure.

Where to get a document notarized

Your options are a bank or credit union (often free), a title company, a notary public office or service, a UPS Store or similar shipping center (many employ notaries), or an attorney's office. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available and to ask about the fee. If you are having multiple documents notarized, ask whether the notary offers a discount for multiple signatures or documents—some do, though they cannot go below the state minimum.

Online notarization is now legal in most states, though not all. If your state allows it, you can have a document notarized remotely through a video call with a notary. The fee is usually the same as in-person notarization, sometimes slightly higher to cover the technology platform.

What the notary fee does and does not cover

The notary fee covers the notary's time and the official seal and signature on your document. It does not cover the cost of printing, copying, or mailing the document. If you need copies made, ask the notary whether they can do that and what they charge separately for copying.

The fee also does not cover the notary's travel time if they come to you. Some notaries charge a travel fee in addition to the per-signature fee, especially if you are far from their office. Always ask about travel fees upfront so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me if I bring my own document?

Yes. The state fee cap applies to all notarizations the notary performs, regardless of whether you bring the document or the notary provides it. The fee is for the notarial act itself, not for providing the paper.

What if I need the same document notarized in two different states?

You will need to have it notarized separately in each state, and you will pay the fee for each state. A notarization performed in one state is valid in another state, but if a document needs to be notarized in a specific state for legal reasons, you must have it done there.

Do I have to tip a notary?

No. Tipping is not expected or required. The notary is already charging you the fee set by state law. If a notary provides exceptional service or goes out of their way to help you, a tip is your choice, but it is not obligatory.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if the signer appears to be under duress, if the signer cannot prove their identity, or if the notary has a conflict of interest. A notary cannot refuse based on the content of the document or their personal beliefs about what the document says.

What if the notary made a mistake on my document?

Contact the notary when ready and explain the error. Many notaries will correct minor mistakes at no additional charge. If the error is significant or the notary refuses to fix it, you may need to have the document notarized again by a different notary. Keep records of what happened so you can explain the situation if needed.