Notary fees vary by state and by service, but most range from $5 to $25 per signature

A notary's fee depends on where you live, what document you need notarized, and whether you go to them or they come to you. Most states set a maximum fee — often $5 to $15 per signature — but many notaries charge less. If a notary travels to your home or office, expect to pay a travel fee on top of the per-signature cost, usually $25 to $75 depending on distance.

The state you live in controls the ceiling. California caps notary fees at $15 per signature plus $5 per page for certified copies. New York allows up to $2 per signature. Texas permits $6 per signature. Some states do not set a maximum, which means a notary can charge what the market will bear — in those places, fees can run higher. Always ask the notary's fee before you book.

Remote notarization — done by video call — has become common since 2020 and often costs the same as in-person notarization or slightly more, usually $15 to $35 per signature. The notary does not travel, but they may charge a platform fee or a higher per-signature rate to cover the technology.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature, with your state's law setting the maximum allowed fee.
  • Travel fees for mobile notaries typically add $25 to $75 to your bill, depending on how far they come.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some libraries offer notary services free or at a low cost to customers or members.
  • Remote video notarization costs about the same as in-person service but eliminates travel time and fees.
  • Asking the notary's fee upfront prevents surprises; some charge by the page or document rather than by signature.

Where to find low-cost or free notary services

Your bank or credit union often notarizes documents free for account holders. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and to book an appointment — many branches have only one or two notaries on staff and can get busy. If you do not have an account, some banks will notarize for a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

Public libraries in many cities offer notary services free or for $1 to $5. Check your local library's website or call to see if they have a notary on staff and whether you need to book in advance. Some libraries limit notarizations to a certain number per day or per person.

UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some Staples branches employ notaries. Fees typically run $10 to $20 per signature. These are walk-in friendly, though wait times can be long during business hours.

Real estate agents and title companies notarize documents as part of their work, sometimes free if you are a client. If you are buying or selling property, ask whether they can notarize your document at closing or before.

Travel fees and mobile notary costs

A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or hospital and charges a travel fee on top of the per-signature rate. The travel fee depends on distance and your location. In urban areas, expect $25 to $40. In rural areas or for longer distances, $50 to $100 or more is common. Some mobile notaries charge a flat rate for the entire job instead of per signature plus travel.

Mobile notaries are worth the cost if you are housebound, have multiple documents to notarize, or need the service outside normal business hours. Many work evenings and weekends. Book at least a day or two in advance; same-day service may cost extra.

If you need several documents notarized, ask the mobile notary whether they charge per signature or per visit. A per-visit rate can save money if you have five or ten signatures to witness.

What affects the final bill

Some notaries charge per page instead of per signature, especially for certified copies or apostilles. An apostille — a certificate that authenticates a document for use in another country — may cost $5 to $15 extra. Ask whether the notary charges per signature, per page, or per document before you commit.

Certified copies cost more than notarization alone. A notary may charge $1 to $5 per page to make and certify a copy, on top of the notarization fee. If you need five certified copies of a ten-page document, the cost adds up quickly.

Urgent or same-day service sometimes carries a rush fee. If you need a notary within hours rather than days, expect to pay 25 to 50 percent more than the standard rate, or the notary may decline the job altogether.

Remote notarization pricing and how it works

Remote notarization through video call costs $15 to $35 per signature in most states. You do not pay travel fees, but some platforms charge a technology or processing fee of $5 to $10 on top of the notary's fee. The total often comes to the same as or slightly more than in-person notarization.

Remote notarization requires you to have a government-issued ID, a camera or webcam, and an internet connection. The notary will verify your identity on video, watch you sign the document, and then email you the notarized copy. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Not all documents can be notarized remotely. Some states restrict remote notarization to certain document types, and some lenders or government agencies do not accept remotely notarized documents. Check with the person or organization requesting the notarization before you book a remote session.

How to compare notary services and avoid overpaying

Call three notaries in your area and ask the same questions: What is your per-signature fee? Do you charge for travel, and if so, how much? Do you charge per page or per signature? Can you notarize my specific document? How soon can you do it? Write down the answers so you can compare.

If you need the notarization urgently, ask whether the notary offers same-day or evening service and what that costs. Some notaries are available only during business hours; others work weekends and nights for a premium.

Check whether your bank, library, or employer offers notary services before you pay a private notary. Many people do not realize their bank will do it free, and they end up paying $20 when they could have paid nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge whatever they want?

No. Most states set a maximum fee a notary can charge per signature — usually $5 to $15. A few states do not set a limit, so notaries there can charge more. Always ask the fee upfront. If a notary charges more than your state's maximum, report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

Do I have to tip a notary?

Tipping is not required and not standard. You pay the notary's fee, and that is the end of the transaction. If a notary goes above and beyond — such as staying late or traveling far — a tip is a kind gesture but not expected.

What if I need notarization but cannot afford the fee?

Check your bank and library first; many offer free notarization. If you are low-income and need notarization for a legal matter, ask a legal aid organization in your area whether they can notarize for free or refer you to a low-cost service.

Is remote notarization cheaper than in-person?

Usually about the same. Remote notarization saves you the travel fee but may include a platform or processing fee instead. The total often comes to $15 to $35, similar to in-person notarization with travel included.

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary must be a neutral third party who watches you sign and verifies your identity. You cannot notarize your own document, and a family member or close friend usually cannot either, depending on your state's rules.