Notary fees are set by state law, not by the notary
A notary cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to collect for each service they perform. The notary you hire must stay within that limit. If a notary charges more than the state allows, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that oversees notaries in your state.
The amount varies significantly by state. Some states cap the fee at $5 per signature, while others allow $15 or more. A few states do not set a maximum at all, which means the notary and customer negotiate the price. Most notaries charge less than the legal maximum because they want repeat business and referrals.
The fee usually covers one notarized signature on one document. If you need multiple signatures notarized on the same page, or signatures on multiple pages, you may owe a separate fee for each one. Travel fees, copying, and certification of documents may also be charged separately, and those are sometimes not capped by state law.
Key Takeaways
- State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, and it ranges from $5 to $15 per signature in most states.
- Each notarized signature typically counts as a separate service, so a document with three signatures may cost three times the per-signature fee.
- Travel fees, copying, and other services beyond the notarization itself are often charged separately and may not have a state-set limit.
- You can find your state's notary fee limits by searching "[your state] notary fees" or contacting your Secretary of State office.
- If a notary charges more than your state allows, report them to your state's Secretary of State or notary oversight board.
How fees are structured for multiple signatures and pages
The way notary fees work depends on how you count the service. Most states charge per signature, not per document. This means if you have a five-page contract and the notary notarizes your signature on each page, you owe five separate fees—not one fee for the whole contract.
Some states instead charge per document or per transaction. In those states, one fee covers all the signatures on all the pages of a single document, no matter how many signatures appear. Before you hire a notary, ask them how they count the service under your state's law. The difference can be substantial if you have a long document with multiple signature lines.
A few states allow notaries to charge a lower fee if you are notarizing multiple signatures at once. For example, a state might allow $10 per signature for a single signature, but $8 per signature if you are notarizing three or more signatures in one visit. Ask the notary whether your state offers this discount.
Additional charges beyond the notarization fee
The base notary fee covers the act of witnessing your signature and explore the notary's seal. Other services cost extra. A notary may charge separately for travel to your home or office, for making copies of your document, for certifying that a copy is a true copy of the original, or for preparing an affidavit or other legal document.
Travel fees are rarely capped by state law. A notary might charge $25 to $50 or more to come to your location, depending on distance and local rates. Copying and certification fees also vary and are often not regulated. Ask the notary for a full price quote before they arrive, so you know the total cost.
Some notaries work for banks, title companies, or law offices and do not charge customers at all—the employer covers the cost. If you are a customer of that business, you may be able to use their notary for free. It is always worth asking.
State-by-state fee limits: a sampling
Because fees vary widely, here are examples from several states. These limits change occasionally, so verify the current fee in your state before you hire a notary.
| State | Maximum Fee Per Signature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15 | Travel and other services charged separately. |
| Florida | $10 | Notaries may charge per document or per signature; varies by service type. |
| New York | $2 | One of the lowest caps in the country. |
| Texas | $6 | Travel fees not regulated. |
| Ohio | $5 | Covers one signature; additional signatures charged separately. |
| Illinois | $1 to $5 | Varies by service; check with notary for exact fee. |
Many states fall between $5 and $10 per signature. A few states, including Colorado and Georgia, do not set a maximum fee, which means the notary can charge whatever the market will bear. In those states, ask for a quote in writing before the notary performs the service.
How to find your state's notary fee limits
The fastest way is to search online for "[your state] notary public fees" or "[your state] notary maximum fees." Most Secretary of State websites list the current limits. You can also call your Secretary of State office directly and ask for the notary fee schedule.
If you are hiring a notary through a bank, title company, or law office, ask them what they charge. They should be able to tell you the fee before you schedule the appointment. If you are hiring an independent notary, ask for a written quote that includes the base fee, any travel charges, and any other services you need.
Keep the quote in writing so you have proof of what you agreed to pay. If the notary charges more than the quote or more than your state allows, you have documentation to dispute the charge or file a complaint.
What to do if a notary overcharges you
If a notary charges more than your state's maximum fee, you can report them. Contact your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that oversees notaries—often called the Notary Public Board or Division of Notaries. You will need the notary's name, the date of service, the amount charged, and the amount your state allows.
Keep your receipt or any written agreement you made with the notary. If you paid by credit card or check, that record also helps. The oversight agency will investigate and may fine the notary, revoke their commission, or require them to refund your money.
If you paid a small amount and the hassle of reporting seems large, you can also dispute the charge with your credit card company if you used a card. Most card companies will reverse charges that exceed state-set limits.
Why notary fees matter for common documents
For a straightforward one-page document with one signature, the fee is straightforward—you pay whatever your state allows per signature. But for longer documents, the cost adds up. A 10-page contract with a signature on each page could cost $50 to $150 depending on your state, even before travel fees.
Real estate closings, loan documents, and power of attorney forms often require multiple notarized signatures. Ask your title company, lender, or attorney how many signatures will be notarized so you can budget for the full cost. Some of these organizations include notary fees in their closing costs, so you may not pay separately.
If you are notarizing a document for a government agency or court, ask whether they have a preferred notary or whether they reimburse notary fees. Some agencies do; others do not. Knowing this ahead of time prevents surprises at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge me for a failed notarization?
No. If the notary cannot complete the notarization—for example, because you do not have proper identification or the document is not notarizable—they should not charge you. If they do, that is overcharging. Ask for a refund or report them to your state's notary oversight agency.
What if I need the notary to travel to my home?
Travel fees are usually not capped by state law, so the notary can charge what they want. Typical travel fees range from $25 to $75 depending on distance and local rates. Ask for the travel fee in writing before the notary comes to your home.
Do I have to pay the full fee if the notary makes a mistake?
No. If the notary makes an error that requires you to have the document notarized again, they should correct it for free or refund your fee. If they refuse, report them to your state's Secretary of State office.
Can a notary charge different fees for different types of documents?
Yes, in some states. For example, a notary might charge one fee for a standard notarization and a different fee for certifying a copy or preparing an affidavit. The state law sets the maximum for each service type. Ask the notary which service you need and what the fee is for that specific service.
Is there a fee if I bring the notary a document they cannot notarize?
No. If the document is not notarizable under state law—for example, because it is a blank form or a document that requires a different type of certification—the notary should tell you before charging. If they charge you anyway, ask for a refund.