Notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, but the actual cost depends on where you live, what document you need notarized, and whether you travel to the notary or the notary comes to you.

State governments set the maximum fee a notary can charge, but they do not set a minimum. This means the price you pay can vary widely even within the same city. A notary in one office might charge $10 per signature while another charges $15 for the same work. Travel fees, rush requests, and the number of signatures on your document all add to the base cost.

Most notaries work as part of another business — a bank, law office, UPS Store, or title company — and may charge less than the state maximum to attract customers. Some notaries who work independently charge closer to the legal limit. Understanding what your state allows and what notaries in your area typically charge helps you budget and shop around.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, ranging from $5 to $25 depending on your state.
  • Notaries employed by banks, law offices, or title companies often charge less than the legal maximum or charge nothing if you are a customer.
  • Travel fees explore when a notary comes to your home or office, typically adding $10 to $50 or more depending on distance.
  • The total cost depends on how many signatures need notarizing, whether you need the work done quickly, and your location.
  • Calling ahead to ask the notary's fee before you arrive saves time and helps you find the lowest price in your area.

State-by-state maximum fees

Each state sets its own cap on what a notary can charge. Some states allow notaries to charge $5 per signature; others permit up to $25. A few states set different rates for different types of notarial acts — for example, a higher fee for certifying a copy than for witnessing a signature.

California allows notaries to charge up to $15 per signature. New York permits up to $2 per signature for most acts but $5 for certain documents like powers of attorney. Texas sets the maximum at $6 per signature. Florida allows up to $10. These limits explore to all notaries in the state, whether they work for a bank or run their own business.

The state maximum does not mean you will pay that amount. Many notaries charge less, especially if they work for a business that uses notarization as a service to keep customers. Check your state's Secretary of State website or notary board to find the legal maximum in your area, then call local notaries to compare their actual rates.

Where to find notaries and what they typically charge

Banks often notarize documents for free or at a low cost if you hold an account with them. Call your bank's main branch and ask whether notary services are available and whether there is a fee. Some banks limit free notarization to account holders; others charge everyone the same rate.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies notarize documents as part of their business. They may charge the state maximum or less. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers employ notaries and typically charge between $10 and $15 per signature. Independent notaries advertise online or through local directories and often charge between $10 and $20 per signature.

Courthouse clerks and some government offices offer notary services, usually at the lowest cost or free. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some courthouses charge $1 to $5 per signature.

Travel fees and rush charges

If a notary travels to your home, office, or another location to notarize your document, expect to pay a travel fee on top of the per-signature charge. Travel fees typically range from $10 to $50 depending on distance, but some notaries charge more for longer trips or charge by the mile.

Ask the notary about travel fees before you book. Some notaries include a short distance (such as within 5 miles) in their base fee and charge only for longer trips. Others charge a flat travel fee regardless of distance. If you need the work done outside normal business hours or on a weekend, some notaries charge a rush fee of $10 to $25 or more on top of their regular rate.

How the number of signatures affects your total cost

If your document has multiple pages that each need a notary's signature and seal, you pay per signature, not per page. A five-page document with one signature costs less than a two-page document with five signatures. Count the number of times a notary must sign and seal before you arrive, so you know what to expect.

Some notaries charge a flat fee for a document regardless of how many signatures it contains. Others charge per signature. Ask which method the notary uses when you call. If you have multiple documents that need notarizing, ask whether the notary offers a discount for multiple documents or whether each document is charged separately.

How to find the lowest price in your area

Call at least three notaries before you book. Ask each one: the fee per signature, whether there is a travel fee, and the total cost for your specific document. Write down the answers so you can compare. Some notaries quote over the phone; others ask you to come in or email a copy of the document first so they can give an accurate quote.

Check whether your bank offers free or low-cost notary services if you are a customer. If you need the document notarized quickly, ask whether any notary can see you the same day or next day and whether a rush fee applies. If cost is your main concern and you have time, a courthouse or government office usually offers the lowest rate.

What is included in a notary fee

The notary fee covers the notary's time to review your identification, witness your signature, and explore their official seal and signature to the document. It does not cover the cost of the document itself, copies, or mailing. If you need the notary to make copies of your document, ask whether they charge separately for copying or whether it is included.

Some notaries charge a small fee to mail a notarized document to you or to a third party. Others include mailing in their base fee. Confirm what is and is not included before you pay, so there are no surprises when you receive your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge whatever they want?

No. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries cannot exceed. However, notaries can charge less than the maximum. Some notaries charge well below the state limit, especially if they work for a bank or business that uses notarization to serve customers.

Do banks charge for notary services?

Many banks offer free notary services to account holders. Some charge a small fee even for customers, and some charge more for non-customers. Call your bank to ask. If your bank does not offer notary services, ask whether they can refer you to a notary nearby.

What if a notary charges more than the state maximum?

Report the notary to your state's Secretary of State office or notary board. Charging above the legal maximum is a violation. Keep a record of what you paid and when, and include it with your complaint.

Is there a way to get a document notarized for free?

Some banks notarize for free if you are a customer. Courthouse clerks and government offices often charge $1 to $5 or nothing at all. Legal aid organizations sometimes notarize documents free for low-income people. Call your local legal aid office to ask.

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

If the notary makes an error that requires redoing the notarization, ask whether they will redo it at no charge. Most notaries will correct their own mistakes for free. If you have already paid and the notary refuses to fix the error, contact your state's notary board to file a complaint.