Notary fees vary by state law, and most states set a maximum rather than a fixed price
A notary public cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a cap on what notaries can collect per service—typically between $0.50 and $15 per signature, depending on which state you're in and what task the notary performs. Some states publish an official fee schedule; others set a ceiling and let notaries charge anything up to that limit. A few states allow notaries to set their own fees with no legal maximum, though this is uncommon.
The fee you pay depends on three things: your state, the type of notarization, and whether the notary travels to you. A straightforward acknowledgment (the most common notary task) usually costs less than a jurate or oath. Travel fees, if allowed in your state, are separate from the per-signature charge. Knowing your state's rules before you contact a notary prevents surprises and helps you spot overcharges.
Key Takeaways
- Most states cap notary fees between $0.50 and $15 per signature, with the exact amount set by state law.
- Acknowledgments and jurates are charged separately, and jurates typically cost more because they require the notary to administer an oath.
- Travel fees are allowed in many states but are set by state law or local regulation, and not all states permit them.
- You can find your state's official fee schedule by searching "[your state] notary public fees" or contacting your Secretary of State's office.
How state law sets the notary fee ceiling
Each state's Secretary of State or equivalent office publishes a fee schedule or maximum fee. This is a legal limit—notaries cannot charge more, though they may charge less. Some states list exact fees (for example, "$2 per signature"), while others set a maximum and allow notaries to charge up to that amount. A few states, including California and New York, have detailed schedules that vary by service type.
If you live in a state with no published maximum, that does not mean notaries can charge unlimited fees. It usually means the state allows notaries to set reasonable fees, and disputes are handled case-by-case. In practice, most notaries in those states charge within the range common in neighboring states to remain competitive.
Common notary services and their typical costs
An acknowledgment is the most common notary service. The notary verifies your identity and confirms you signed a document willingly. This typically costs $2 to $10 per signature, depending on your state. Many states charge $2 to $5 for a single acknowledgment.
A jurate requires you to swear or affirm under oath that the contents of a document are true. Because the notary must administer the oath, this service usually costs more—often $5 to $15 per signature. Some states charge the same for both; others charge significantly more for a jurate.
A copy certification (certifying that a photocopy matches the original) may be charged per page or per signature. Costs range from $1 to $5 per page in most states. Oaths and affirmations without a document attached are also charged separately and typically fall in the $2 to $10 range.
Travel fees and remote notarization charges
If a notary travels to your home or office, many states allow an additional travel fee beyond the per-signature charge. This fee is usually $0.50 to $2 per mile or a flat fee of $10 to $50, depending on your state and the notary's location. Some states cap travel fees; others leave them to the notary's discretion within reason. Always ask about travel fees before the notary leaves their office.
Remote notarization (also called online notarization) is now legal in most states, though the rules are still evolving. Some states allow notaries to charge the same per-signature fee for remote work; others permit a higher fee because the technology and identity verification are more complex. A few states do not yet allow remote notarization at all. If you are using a remote notary service, ask whether the fee includes the technology platform or if that is charged separately.
How to find your state's official fee schedule
The fastest way to learn what notaries can charge in your state is to visit your Secretary of State's website and search for "notary public fees" or "notary fee schedule." Most states publish this information clearly. If the website does not list fees, call the notary division directly—they can tell you the maximum allowed charge and whether travel fees are permitted.
You can also contact a local notary and ask what they charge. Reputable notaries will quote you the fee before performing the service. If a notary refuses to tell you the fee in advance or charges significantly more than your state's published maximum, that is a sign to find a different notary. Many banks, credit unions, and law offices offer notary services to customers or the public, sometimes at no charge or for a small fee.
What happens if a notary overcharges
If a notary charges more than your state's legal maximum, you can report them to your Secretary of State's office. Most states investigate complaints about fee violations and can fine or discipline notaries who break the rules. You may also be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company if you paid by card.
In some cases, you can recover the overcharge by filing a small claims court case, though this is usually not worth the effort for a single overcharge of a few dollars. The real remedy is reporting the notary so they do not overcharge others. Keep your receipt and note the date, time, and service performed so you have documentation if you need to file a complaint.
Notary fees in common states
| State | Per-Signature Fee (Acknowledgment) | Per-Signature Fee (Jurate) | Travel Fee (if allowed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $15 | $15 | $0.20 per mile or negotiated |
| New York | $2 | $2 | Not set by state; varies |
| Texas | $6 | $6 | Not set by state; varies |
| Florida | $10 | $10 | Not set by state; varies |
| Illinois | $1 | $1 | Not set by state; varies |
These examples show the range across the country. California has the highest per-signature fee; Illinois has one of the lowest. Even within a state, notaries may charge less than the maximum. Always confirm the fee with your notary before the service is performed, and ask whether travel fees explore to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge different amounts for different customers?
Yes. Most states allow notaries to charge anywhere from zero up to the legal maximum. A notary can charge a friend $2 and charge a business $10 for the same service, as long as neither amount exceeds the state cap. However, notaries cannot charge different amounts based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Do I have to pay a notary fee if the notary is a friend or family member?
No. Notaries can choose to perform services for free. Many notaries waive fees for family or close friends. However, the notary must still follow all legal procedures—being a friend does not exempt them from the rules about witnessing your signature or verifying your identity.
What if I need multiple signatures notarized on the same document?
You typically pay per signature, not per document. If a single document has three signatures that need notarizing, you pay three times the per-signature fee. Some notaries may offer a small discount for multiple signatures, but they are not required to do so.
Are bank notary services really free?
Many banks offer free notary services to customers, but policies vary. Some banks charge a small fee even for customers. Call your bank ahead of time to ask whether notary services are free and whether you need an appointment. Credit unions often have similar policies.
Can a notary charge a fee for refusing to notarize something?
No. A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they believe it is fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document is incomplete. However, they cannot charge you for that refusal. You only pay if the notarization is completed.