Yes, notaries charge fees, and the amount depends on where you live

Notaries do charge for their work in most cases. The fee is not set by the notary themselves — it is set by your state. Each state has a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to charge per signature or per document, and these limits vary widely. Some states cap the fee at $2 per signature; others allow $10 or more. A few states do not set a limit at all, which means the notary can charge whatever they negotiate with you.

The fee covers the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and explore their official seal. If you need multiple signatures notarized on the same document, you may pay per signature rather than per document. Some notaries also charge a travel fee if they come to your home or workplace.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, ranging from $2 to $10 or more depending on your state.
  • You can ask the notary their fee before the appointment — most will tell you over the phone or email.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some government offices often provide notary services free to customers or the public.
  • Travel fees, rush fees, and fees for multiple signatures are separate from the per-signature charge and vary by notary.
  • If a notary charges more than your state's maximum, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

How state law sets the fee ceiling

Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum notary fee for that state. This is a legal cap, not a suggestion. A notary cannot charge more than this amount per signature without breaking state law. However, a notary can charge less than the maximum, and many do.

The fee structure also depends on what the notary is doing. Taking an acknowledgment (watching you sign and verifying your identity) usually costs one amount. Administering an oath or affirmation costs another. Copying a document or certifying a copy may have its own fee. Ask the notary to break down the cost before you commit.

Where to find free or low-cost notary services

Many banks and credit unions offer notary services free to their customers. Call your bank's main branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free. Some banks charge a small fee even for customers, so confirm the price.

Government offices sometimes provide notary services at no charge or for a minimal fee. County clerk offices, city halls, and some public libraries employ notaries. Call ahead to ask whether they notarize documents and what they charge. Legal aid organizations and law school clinics may also notarize documents for free or at a reduced rate if you meet their income requirements.

Online notary services have grown in recent years and operate in most states. These services connect you with a notary by video call. The fee is usually higher than in-person notarization — often $25 to $50 per signature — because the notary must verify your identity remotely and handle the technology. However, you avoid travel time and can schedule appointments outside business hours.

Travel fees and other charges beyond the per-signature cost

If you ask a notary to come to your home, office, or hospital, they will usually charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. This fee covers their mileage and time. Travel fees vary widely — some notaries charge $5 to $10 per mile, others charge a flat $25 to $50 per trip. Ask about the travel fee when you call.

Some notaries charge extra for rush service, weekend appointments, or notarizing a large number of documents in one session. These are negotiable and not set by state law. If a notary quotes you a price that seems high, call another notary and compare.

What happens if a notary overcharges you

If a notary charges you more than your state's maximum fee per signature, you have a right to report them. Contact your state's Secretary of State office — most have a notary division or complaint process. You can also ask the notary to refund the overcharge before you leave. Many will do so rather than face a complaint.

Keep your receipt. It should show the date, the number of signatures, the fee per signature, and any travel or other charges. If the receipt does not itemize the charges, ask for one. This record helps if you need to file a complaint later.

How to ask about fees before your appointment

Call or email the notary and ask three things: the per-signature fee, whether there is a travel fee if you need them to come to you, and how long the appointment usually takes. Most notaries will answer these questions quickly. If they seem evasive or unwilling to quote a price, find another notary.

If you are having a document notarized through a law firm, real estate office, or title company, ask whether the notary fee is included in their service fee or billed separately. Sometimes the firm absorbs the cost; sometimes they pass it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge whatever they want?

No. Your state sets a maximum fee per signature that notaries cannot exceed. However, they can charge less than the maximum. Travel fees, rush fees, and other services may not be capped by state law, so those can vary more widely.

Do banks charge for notary services?

Most banks offer notary services free to customers, but some charge a small fee even for account holders. Call your bank and ask. If they charge, you can usually find a free notary at another bank or at your county clerk's office.

What is the average notary fee?

The average ranges from $2 to $10 per signature depending on your state. Some states allow higher fees. Online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per signature because they verify your identity remotely. Ask your notary directly rather than assuming a price.

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

No. If the notary makes an error that requires you to have the document notarized again, ask them to redo it at no charge. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with your state's Secretary of State office.

Can I negotiate the notary fee?

You can negotiate travel fees and rush fees, which are not set by state law. The per-signature fee is capped by state law, so the notary cannot go above that limit, but they can charge less if they choose to.