North Carolina's Notary Fee Limits

North Carolina sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. A notarial act is one signature, one seal, one document—so if you need three signatures notarized on the same page, that is three separate acts and three separate $5 fees. The state does not require notaries to charge the full amount; they can charge less or nothing at all.

This $5 cap applies to all notaries in the state, whether they work at a bank, a law office, a UPS Store, or independently. The limit is set in North Carolina General Statute § 10B-3, which governs notary conduct. Notaries cannot charge travel fees, document preparation fees, or any other charge beyond the per-act fee, though some notaries may ask you to cover the cost of certified copies if you request them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina law caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act, and notaries cannot charge more regardless of where they work.
  • One notarial act means one signature on one document; multiple signatures on the same page count as multiple acts and multiple fees.
  • Notaries cannot legally charge for travel, document preparation, or any service beyond the notarization itself.
  • Some notaries charge less than $5 or nothing at all, so it is worth asking the price before you schedule.

What Counts as One Notarial Act

Understanding what the state counts as a single act helps you predict your total cost. One notarial act is one person's signature on one document, witnessed and sealed by the notary. If you have a single-page power of attorney that needs your signature notarized, that is one act and one $5 fee.

If that same power of attorney requires both your signature and your spouse's signature to be notarized, that is two acts and two $5 fees. If you need the document notarized twice—once at the bank and once at the courthouse—that is two separate acts and two separate fees. The notary does not charge based on how many pages the document has or how long the appointment takes; they charge per signature witnessed.

Where to Find Notaries and What They Actually Charge

Many notaries in North Carolina charge less than the $5 maximum. Banks often notarize documents free for customers. UPS Stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries typically charge $5 per act, though some charge $3 to $4. Law offices may notarize for free if you are a client, or charge a flat fee. Always call ahead and ask the price before you go.

You can search for notaries near you through the North Carolina Secretary of State's notary directory, though the directory does not list prices. Calling ahead saves a trip if a notary is closed or if their fee is higher than you expected. Some notaries offer mobile services and will come to your home or office, but the $5 cap still applies to the notarization itself—they cannot charge extra for travel time.

Fees for Certified Copies and Other Services

The $5 notary fee covers only the notarization. If you ask the notary to make a certified copy of a document—a copy that the notary stamps and signs to confirm it matches the original—that is a separate service. Notaries can charge a reasonable fee for certified copies, usually $1 to $3 per page, because the state does not cap that charge.

If a notary prepares a document for you (writes out a power of attorney, for example) or provides other services beyond witnessing your signature, those charges are also separate from the $5 notarial act fee. The $5 cap applies only to the act of notarization itself. Ask the notary to itemize their charges so you know what you are paying for.

What Notaries Cannot Charge For

North Carolina law prohibits notaries from charging for services that are part of the notarization process. They cannot charge a separate fee for the seal, the journal entry, or the signature verification. They cannot charge a "convenience fee" for evening or weekend appointments. They cannot charge for travel time if they come to you, though some may ask you to cover the cost of gas or mileage—check with them first.

If a notary quotes you a price higher than $5 per act, or charges you for services that should be included in the notarization, you can report them to the North Carolina Secretary of State's office. The state takes fee violations seriously and can revoke a notary's commission for repeated violations.

How to Verify a Notary's License

Before you use a notary, confirm they are currently commissioned in North Carolina. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable notary directory on its website. Search by name or county to see if the notary is active. An expired or revoked commission means the notarization is not valid, and you will have wasted your money and time.

When you arrive for your appointment, ask to see the notary's commission certificate. It should show their name, commission number, and expiration date. A legitimate notary will have this on hand. If a notary cannot produce it or seems evasive, leave and find another notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge more than $5 if the document is complicated?

No. North Carolina law sets $5 as the maximum fee per notarial act, regardless of document complexity. A notary cannot charge more because a power of attorney is longer than a straightforward affidavit, or because the appointment takes longer than expected.

What if I need multiple documents notarized at the same appointment?

You pay $5 per notarial act, not per document. If you bring five different documents but each requires only one signature, that is five acts and $25 total. If one document requires two signatures, that counts as two acts. Ask the notary to count the acts before you pay.

Do I have to pay the full $5, or can a notary charge less?

Notaries can charge any amount up to $5. Many charge $3 or $4, and some charge nothing at all. Banks often notarize for free if you have an account. Always ask the price when you call to schedule.

Can a notary charge a fee if I bring my own certified copy?

No. If you provide a certified copy that another notary already made, the current notary cannot charge you to notarize it. They can only charge for creating a new certified copy if you ask them to make one.

What should I do if a notary overcharges me?

Ask for an itemized receipt showing what you paid for. If the notarization fee exceeds $5 per act, contact the North Carolina Secretary of State's office with your receipt and the notary's name. The state investigates fee violations.