Notary fees vary by state and location, but typically range from $5 to $25 per signature
Yes, notaries charge for their services, but the cost is usually modest. Most notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature or per document, depending on where you live and what type of notarization you need. Some states set maximum fees by law, while others let notaries set their own rates. A few notaries offer the service free as part of their job—bank employees and some government workers, for example—but the majority are independent or work for businesses that charge a fee.
The actual amount you pay depends on three things: your state's fee cap (if one exists), the notary's location, and the complexity of the document. A straightforward one-page notarization in a rural area might cost $5, while a multi-page document or a mobile notary who comes to your home could cost $20 to $50 or more. If you need the notary to travel to you, expect to pay a travel fee on top of the per-signature charge.
Key Takeaways
- Most notaries charge $5 to $25 per signature, though some states set lower maximum fees by law.
- Banks, credit unions, and some government offices often notarize documents free for customers or residents, so check there first before paying a private notary.
- Mobile notaries who travel to your home charge extra for travel time and distance, sometimes doubling the base fee.
- Notary fees are separate from any fees charged by the organization handling your document—a title company or court, for example, may charge additional costs.
Where to find free or low-cost notarization
Your bank or credit union is the first place to check. Most offer notary services free to account holders, and many will notarize for non-customers at little or no cost. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask whether you need an appointment. Some branches have a notary available during all business hours; others have one person who works certain days.
Public libraries in many states offer free notarization or charge only $1 to $3 per signature. Contact your local library branch to ask if they have a notary and whether you need to book in advance. Some libraries limit notarization to cardholders only, so verify that before you go. Government offices—your county clerk, assessor, or recorder's office—sometimes notarize documents free or for a small fee, particularly if the document relates to property or official records.
If you need a notary outside business hours or don't have access to these free options, online notary services have grown in the past few years. These allow you to upload your document and meet with a notary via video call, usually for $25 to $50 per signature. The process is faster than finding a local notary, but you'll pay more than you would in person.
State-by-state fee limits
Some states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge, while others do not. States with fee caps typically allow notaries to charge $2 to $10 per signature, though a few permit higher amounts. For example, California caps fees at $15 per signature for most notarizations, while Texas allows up to $6. New York does not set a maximum, so notaries there can charge whatever they negotiate with the customer.
If you live in a state with a fee cap, you can safely assume you won't pay more than that amount per signature. If your state has no cap, ask the notary their rate before you commit. Many notaries post their fees online or on their storefront window, so you can shop around if you have options in your area.
What affects the cost of notarization
The number of signatures you need notarized is the biggest factor. If your document has three places that need notarizing, you'll pay three times the per-signature fee. Some notaries charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature, so ask which method they use—it may be cheaper if your document has many signatures.
Travel distance also raises the cost. A mobile notary who comes to your home, office, or hospital typically charges a travel fee of $10 to $50 or more depending on distance. If you're in a rural area far from notaries, the travel fee can exceed the notarization fee itself. In those cases, it's worth asking whether you can meet the notary at their office or a neutral location to save money.
The type of notarization matters too. A standard acknowledgment—where the notary watches you sign and confirms your identity—is the most common and cheapest. A jurat, where the notary also administers an oath, may cost slightly more. Certified copies of documents or notarizations for real estate transactions sometimes carry higher fees because they require more careful documentation.
How to avoid overpaying for notary services
Call ahead and ask the notary's fee before you visit. This takes 30 seconds and prevents surprises. If you're using a mobile notary, ask whether the travel fee is flat or based on distance, and whether it applies if you're within a certain radius of their office.
Combine your notarizations if possible. If you have multiple documents that need notarizing, do them all at once with the same notary. Some notaries charge per document rather than per signature, so bundling can save money. If you have documents that don't need notarization, don't ask the notary to notarize them just to be thorough—you'll pay for something you don't need.
Check whether your bank or library can help before you pay a private notary. A five-minute phone call to your bank could save you $15 to $25. Even if your bank charges a small fee, it's usually less than an independent notary.
Notary fees for specific situations
Real estate transactions often involve multiple notarizations—the deed, the mortgage, the title transfer. A title company handling the closing usually charges for notarization as part of their closing costs, separate from what you pay the notary directly. Ask your title company upfront what notary fees are included in their quote.
Court documents and legal filings sometimes require notarization. If you're filing something yourself rather than using an attorney, you'll pay the notary directly. Court clerks do not notarize documents, so you must find a notary on your own. Some legal aid organizations offer free notarization to low-income clients, so ask if you may have access to.
Power of attorney documents and affidavits are common reasons people seek notarization. These typically cost the standard per-signature fee, though some notaries charge more because they require careful verification of identity and intent. If you're having an attorney draft the document, ask whether their fee includes notarization—many attorneys have notaries on staff and include it in their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document myself?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document they sign themselves or in which they have a financial interest. The whole point of notarization is that an independent third party confirms your identity and that you signed willingly. If you're a notary, you must recuse yourself from documents you're involved in.
Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?
No. If the notary makes an error—wrong date, misspelled name, missing seal—they should correct it or notarize the document again at no additional charge. If they refuse, you can report them to your state's notary licensing board. Keep your receipt in case you need to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card.
What if I need notarization after hours or on a weekend?
Mobile notaries and online notary services operate outside standard business hours. Mobile notaries typically charge extra for evening or weekend appointments—sometimes 50% more than their daytime rate. Online notaries are available 24/7 but cost $25 to $50 per signature, which is higher than in-person rates.
Is there a difference between a notary and a notary public?
No, they're the same thing. "Notary public" is the official title; "notary" is the shortened version. Both refer to someone commissioned by the state to witness signatures and administer oaths. The fee is the same regardless of what you call them.
Can I use a notary from a different state?
It depends on the document and the state. Some documents must be notarized in the state where they'll be used or where the signer lives. Others can be notarized anywhere. Check with the organization requesting the notarization—your lender, court, or government agency—to confirm whether an out-of-state notary is acceptable before you pay.