Yes, notaries charge fees, and the amount depends on your state and the type of document
Notaries do charge for their services in nearly every state. The fee is not set by the notary themselves — it is set by state law, and the maximum amount varies widely. A notary in one state might charge $5 per signature, while a notary in another charges $15. Some states allow notaries to charge per page instead of per signature. A few states cap fees at $2 or $3, while others allow $25 or more for a single notarization.
The fee you pay depends on three things: where you live, what document you need notarized, and whether the notary travels to you. A notary working at a bank or title company may charge less than an independent notary, or may notarize for free if you are a customer. Mobile notaries — those who come to your home or office — typically charge more because they add a travel fee on top of the notarization fee.
Key Takeaways
- State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, and this amount ranges from $2 to $25 or more per notarization depending on your state.
- You can find your state's fee cap by searching "[your state] notary public fee" or calling your Secretary of State office.
- Banks, credit unions, and title companies often notarize documents for free or at a reduced rate if you are a customer.
- Mobile notaries who travel to you charge a travel fee in addition to the notarization fee set by state law.
- Some documents, such as powers of attorney and real estate deeds, may have higher fees than standard notarizations in certain states.
How state law sets the maximum fee
Each state legislature writes the rules for notary fees into state law. These rules appear in the Secretary of State's office website or in the state's notary handbook. The fee is a maximum, not a fixed price — a notary can charge less than the state allows, but cannot charge more.
States with lower caps include Colorado (up to $10 per notarization), Florida (up to $10), and New York (up to $2 for the first signature and $2 for each additional signature on the same document). States with higher caps include California (up to $15 per signature), Texas (up to $6 per signature), and some states that allow $20 to $25 per notarization. A few states, such as Vermont, do not set a maximum at all, which means notaries can charge whatever they negotiate with the customer.
The fee usually covers one signature on one document. If a document has multiple pages or multiple signatures, the notary may charge per signature rather than per page, depending on state law. Read what your state allows before you contact a notary, so you know what to expect.
Where to find notaries who charge less or nothing
Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you hold an account with them. This is not required by law — it is a service many financial institutions offer to keep customers. Call your bank's main branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for account holders.
Title companies, real estate law offices, and mortgage lenders also frequently notarize documents at no charge when the notarization is related to a transaction they are handling. If you are buying a home or refinancing a mortgage, ask your title company or lender whether they can notarize the documents you need.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. Check with your human resources department. Public libraries in some states have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. Call your local library to ask.
Mobile notaries and travel fees
A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or another location you choose. This is useful if you cannot travel to a notary's office, or if you need notarization outside normal business hours. Mobile notaries charge the state-set notarization fee plus a travel fee.
Travel fees vary widely and are not set by state law — the notary negotiates them with you. A mobile notary might charge $25 to $50 for travel within a certain radius, or $75 to $150 if you are farther away. Some charge a flat travel fee; others charge per mile. Ask for the total cost (notarization fee plus travel fee) before you book.
You can find mobile notaries through an online search for "[your city] mobile notary" or through the National Notary Association's notary locator tool. Always confirm the notary is commissioned in your state before you hire them.
Special documents and higher fees
Some states allow notaries to charge more for certain documents. Powers of attorney, real estate deeds, and loan documents sometimes have higher fees than a standard notarization. A few states charge extra for documents that require the notary to take an oath or affidavit, rather than just witnessing a signature.
Before you contact a notary, look up the specific document type in your state's notary fee schedule. You can find this on your Secretary of State's website. If the fee schedule does not list your document, ask the notary directly what they charge — they should be able to tell you based on the document's complexity and the number of signatures involved.
What to do if a notary charges more than the state allows
If a notary charges you more than your state's maximum fee, you can report them to your Secretary of State's office. Each state has a notary complaint process, usually found on the Secretary of State's website under "notary public" or "complaints."
Before you pay, ask the notary in writing (email is fine) what the total charge will be. This creates a record. If they quote you a price above the state maximum, you have proof of the overcharge. Most notaries know the fee cap and charge correctly — but if you encounter one who does not, reporting protects other customers.
How to find your state's fee information
Go to your Secretary of State's website and search for "notary public fees" or "notary handbook." Most states publish a fee schedule that lists the maximum charge for each type of notarization. If you cannot find it online, call the Secretary of State's office directly — they can tell you the fee cap in seconds.
You can also ask the notary themselves. A legitimate notary will tell you the fee before you sit down, and will show you the state law that sets it. If a notary refuses to quote a price or seems evasive about fees, find a different notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge me if I change my mind and do not need the notarization?
This depends on your state and the notary's policy. Some notaries charge only if they complete the notarization. Others charge a consultation fee if you book an appointment and then cancel. Ask the notary's cancellation policy before you schedule, especially if you are hiring a mobile notary who is traveling to you.
Do I have to pay the full state maximum fee?
No. The state maximum is a ceiling, not a requirement. A notary can charge less, and many do. Banks and credit unions often charge nothing. Independent notaries may charge the full amount allowed by law, or they may charge less to stay competitive. You can shop around and ask multiple notaries for their rates.
What if the notary says they charge by the page instead of by the signature?
Check your state's law. Some states allow per-page fees; others require per-signature fees. If the notary's fee structure does not match your state's law, they are overcharging. Ask to see the state law or contact your Secretary of State's office to confirm what is allowed.
Are there any documents that notaries cannot charge for?
A few states require notaries to notarize certain documents for free, such as voter registration forms or documents related to public benefits. Check your state's notary handbook to see if any documents fall into this category. For most documents, the notary can charge the state-set fee.
Can I negotiate the notary fee?
You cannot negotiate below the state maximum for the notarization itself, because state law sets that. However, you can negotiate travel fees with a mobile notary, and you can shop around for a notary who charges less than the maximum. Some notaries charge $5 when the state allows $15 — it is worth calling a few to compare.