What notaries are allowed to charge

Yes, notaries can charge you a fee for their work. The amount varies by state and by the type of document being notarized. Most states set a maximum fee that notaries are permitted to charge — typically between $5 and $15 per signature or per notarial act, though some states allow higher amounts for certain services like loan signings or travel fees.

A notary public is not a government employee in most cases; they are licensed individuals or employees of businesses like banks, law offices, or shipping stores. Because they are providing a service, they are may have access to to be paid for their time and informed. The key is that the fee must fall within what your state allows.

Some notaries charge a flat rate per document, while others charge per signature if a document has multiple places that need notarizing. A few states allow notaries to charge travel fees if you ask them to come to your location rather than you going to theirs.

Key Takeaways

  • Notaries can charge you a fee, but the maximum amount is set by your state and typically ranges from $5 to $15 per notarial act.
  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free or at a low cost if you are a customer, so check with your own financial institution first.
  • The fee structure varies — some notaries charge per signature, some per document, and some add travel fees if they come to you.
  • If a notary charges more than your state allows, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or notary licensing board.

How to find out what your state allows

Each state publishes its own fee schedule, and you can find it by searching "[your state] notary public fees" or by visiting your state's Secretary of State website. The Secretary of State office oversees notary licensing in most states and maintains the official fee limits.

Some states have a single flat fee for all notarial acts. Others charge different amounts depending on what the notary is doing — for example, taking an acknowledgment (confirming someone's identity and signature) might cost $5, while administering an oath might cost $10. A few states allow higher fees for services like loan signings or remote notarization.

If you cannot find the information online, you can call your state's Secretary of State office directly. They can tell you the exact maximum fee a notary in your state is allowed to charge and what services that covers.

Where to get notarized documents without paying

Many banks and credit unions notarize documents for free if you are a customer. This is one of the most common ways people avoid notary fees entirely. Call your bank's main branch or visit in person and ask if they offer free notarization — most do, though some may limit it to a certain number of documents per year or require you to have a checking account.

Public libraries in some areas also offer free notary services or can direct you to a notary who works for free. Law school clinics and legal aid organizations sometimes provide free notarization as part of their services. Your employer may also have a notary on staff or may reimburse you for the cost if the notarization is work-related.

If you are military or a military family member, the Veterans Affairs office or your military base may offer free notary services. Some courthouses also have notaries available, though fees vary by location.

What to do if a notary overcharges you

If a notary charges you more than your state allows, you have the right to dispute the charge. First, ask the notary to explain the fee and confirm what your state's maximum is. Many overcharges happen because the notary misunderstood the rules or because the fee structure was not clearly posted beforehand.

If the notary refuses to adjust the fee or cannot justify it, you can file a complaint with your state's Secretary of State office or notary licensing board. Include the date, the notary's name and location, the amount charged, and what your state's maximum fee is. The licensing board will investigate and can discipline the notary if they violated state law.

You can also dispute the charge with your credit card company if you paid by card, or ask your bank to reverse the charge if it was deducted from your account. Keep your receipt and any documentation of what the notary charged you.

Fees for special notary services

Some notaries offer services beyond basic notarization, and these may have different fees. Remote notarization — notarizing a document over video — is now legal in many states and often costs more than in-person notarization because it requires special technology and training. Travel fees explore when a notary comes to your home or office instead of you going to theirs; these are usually charged per mile or as a flat fee on top of the notarization fee.

Loan signings, which involve notarizing multiple documents for a mortgage or refinance, often have a higher fee than a single notarization because they take more time. Some notaries charge $75 to $200 for a loan signing, though this is negotiated between the notary and the lender or title company, not set by state law.

Before you hire a notary for a special service, ask them to quote the total cost in writing. This protects you from surprise charges and gives you a clear number to compare if you shop around.

How notary fees are different from other document services

A notary's job is to verify your identity and witness your signature — they are not providing legal information or creating the document itself. Because of this, notary fees are usually small. If someone is charging you a large amount to notarize a document, they may be charging you for something else, like preparing the document, reviewing it for legal issues, or providing legal counsel.

Be clear about what you are paying for. If a law office notarizes a document for you, they may charge a notary fee plus a separate fee for the legal work. A shipping store or bank notary will charge only the notarization fee. Ask for an itemized receipt so you know exactly what each charge covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if the person signing does not have proper identification, 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. If a notary refuses, they should explain why and may suggest you find another notary.

What if I cannot afford the notary fee?

Check with your bank, credit union, or local library first — many offer free notarization. Legal aid organizations, law school clinics, and some nonprofits also provide free notary services. If the document is for a court case, you may be able to ask the court to waive the fee or provide a notary.

Do I have to pay the notary fee upfront?

Most notaries ask for payment when the service is completed, not before. Some may ask for payment upfront if you are requesting a travel fee or a special service. Ask the notary about their payment policy before you schedule an appointment.

Can a notary charge different fees for different people?

No. A notary must charge the same fee to everyone for the same service. They cannot charge one person $5 and another person $10 for the same notarization. If you see a notary charging different fees to different customers, that is a violation of state law and you can report it.

What happens if I refuse to pay the notary fee?

The notary will not complete the notarization. You will not receive the notarized document, and you may not be able to use an unsigned or unnotarized version in its place. If the fee is higher than your state allows, you can dispute it rather than refusing to pay — explain that the charge exceeds the legal maximum and ask the notary to adjust it.