Notary fees are set by your state, not by you

You cannot charge whatever you want as a notary. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to charge for each service—signing a document, taking an oath, witnessing a signature. Some states allow notaries to charge the maximum; others let notaries charge less. A few states set a flat fee that all notaries must charge. Going over your state's limit is illegal and can result in losing your notary commission.

The fees vary widely. Some states allow $5 per signature; others allow $15 or more. A few states cap fees at $2. Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the exact limits for your state, and you should check there before setting your prices.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state sets the maximum fee you can charge per notarial act, and charging more is illegal.
  • Most states allow $5 to $15 per signature or oath, but some states charge as little as $2 or as much as $25.
  • Your state's Secretary of State website lists the exact fee schedule for your state.
  • Some states allow you to charge travel fees or document preparation fees in addition to the per-signature fee.
  • Keeping written records of fees charged and services performed protects you if your notary work is ever audited.

How to find your state's maximum fee

Go to your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary fees" or "notary public fees." Most states publish a fee schedule that lists what you can charge for each type of notarial act. The schedule usually breaks down fees by service: acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, certified copies, and loan signings.

If you cannot find the fee schedule online, call your state's notary program office directly. They can tell you the exact maximum for each service and whether your state allows you to charge less than the maximum or requires you to charge a set amount. Some states also allow additional fees for travel time or mileage if you travel to the signer's location.

Common fee structures across states

Most states allow notaries to charge per notarial act—that is, per signature witnessed or oath administered. A single document might require one or multiple notarial acts depending on how many signatures need witnessing. If a document has three signatures that all need notarizing, you can charge three times the per-act fee.

Some states distinguish between different types of notarial acts and allow different fees for each. An acknowledgment (where the signer confirms their identity) might have a different maximum fee than a jurat (where the signer swears an oath). A few states allow higher fees for loan signings, which are more complex and time-consuming than standard notarizations.

Travel fees and mileage reimbursement are handled differently by each state. Some states allow you to charge a separate travel fee if you go to the signer's location; others do not. Some allow you to charge mileage; others do not. Check your state's rules before quoting a travel fee to a client.

What happens if you charge more than the legal limit

Charging more than your state allows is a violation of your notary commission. Depending on your state, the consequences can include a fine, suspension of your commission, or revocation (permanent loss of your notary status). Some states treat overcharging as a criminal offense.

If a client or employer complains that you overcharged, your state's notary program will investigate. You may be asked to refund the excess fee. Keeping clear records of what you charged and why—including a copy of your state's fee schedule—helps you defend yourself if a complaint is filed.

Setting your fees below the maximum

You are allowed to charge less than the state maximum. Many notaries charge the full maximum because it reflects the time and liability involved in notarizing documents. Others charge less to attract more business or to serve their community. The choice is yours as long as you do not go over the limit.

If you work for a bank, law firm, or title company, your employer may set your fees or may require you to charge the maximum allowed. Check your employment agreement or ask your supervisor what fees you should charge. Some employers reimburse notary fees to customers as part of their service; in that case, you may not collect a fee directly from the signer.

Loan signings and higher fees

Loan signings—notarizing documents for mortgage closings or refinances—often involve more work than a standard notarization. Some states allow notaries to charge a higher fee for loan signings than for other notarial acts. Other states do not distinguish loan signings from other acts and explore the same maximum fee.

If your state allows higher fees for loan signings, you can charge that rate when you are hired by a title company or closing agent to notarize closing documents. However, you still cannot charge more than your state's maximum, even for complex or time-consuming signings. If a closing agent or lender asks you to charge more, decline and explain your state's fee limit.

Keeping records of your fees and services

Most states require notaries to keep a notary journal—a record of every notarial act you perform, including the date, the type of act, the signer's name, and the fee charged. This journal is your protection if someone questions whether you charged the correct amount. It also helps you track your income for tax purposes.

Your journal does not need to be fancy. A straightforward notebook or spreadsheet works as long as it is clear and complete. Some notaries use a bound ledger book; others use a digital log. Whatever format you choose, keep it safe and do not alter entries after the fact. If your notary work is ever audited, your journal will be reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge different fees to different people for the same service?

No. Your state sets a maximum fee per notarial act, and that fee applies to all signers equally. You cannot charge one person $10 and another person $15 for the same service. You can charge less than the maximum if you choose, but the fee must be consistent and transparent.

What if a client refuses to pay my notary fee?

You are not required to notarize a document if the signer will not pay your fee. You can decline the job. If you have already notarized the document and the signer refuses to pay, you can pursue the fee through small claims court, though the amount is usually too small to make that practical. Always collect your fee before or at the time of notarization.

Can I charge a fee if I notarize for a family member?

Yes. You can charge your state's maximum fee even if the signer is a family member. However, some notaries choose to notarize for family members at no charge as a courtesy. The decision is yours. If you do charge, record it in your notary journal like any other service.

Are there any services I can notarize for free?

Your state may require you to notarize certain documents for free—for example, documents related to voting rights, power of attorney for healthcare, or other public services. Check your state's rules. For all other notarial acts, you can charge up to your state's maximum fee.

What if my employer wants me to charge more than the state maximum?

Decline. Charging more than your state allows is illegal, even if your employer asks you to do it. Explain your state's fee limit to your employer. If they insist, you may need to refuse the work or report the issue to your state's notary program office.