Notary fees are set by state law, not by the notary themselves
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 must post their fees where customers can see them before the service happens. If a notary charges more than the state maximum, they are breaking the law and can lose their commission.
The fees vary widely by state — from $2 per signature in some states to $15 or more in others. Some states allow notaries to charge different amounts for different services, like a lower fee for a straightforward signature and a higher fee for travel. A few states do not set a maximum at all, which means notaries in those states can negotiate their own rates.
If you are paying for a notarization, ask the notary what their fee is before they perform the service. If they cannot tell you or will not show you their posted fee schedule, that is a red flag.
Key Takeaways
- State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, and notaries who exceed that limit are violating their commission.
- Most states allow notaries to charge between $2 and $15 per signature, but the exact amount depends on which state you are in.
- Some states permit notaries to charge extra for travel, copies, or other services beyond the basic notarization.
- A notary must disclose their fees before performing any service, and you have the right to ask what the cost will be.
How state maximums work
Each state's Secretary of State office or notary regulatory body publishes a fee schedule that applies to all notaries in that state. This schedule is the legal ceiling — a notary can charge less than the maximum, but never more. For example, California sets a maximum of $15 per signature, while Texas allows $6 per signature. New York permits $2 per signature for most services but allows up to $15 for certain documents like loan signings.
Some states have a single flat fee for all notarizations. Others break fees down by service type. A notary might charge one rate for witnessing a signature on a straightforward document and a different rate for certifying a copy of a document. A few states allow notaries to charge for travel time if they go to the customer's location, or for preparing documents, though these add-on fees are less common and are also capped by state law.
The fee schedule is usually available on your state's Secretary of State website or the agency that oversees notaries. You can look it up before you contact a notary, so you know what to expect.
States with no maximum fee
A small number of states do not set a legal maximum for notary fees. In these states, notaries can charge whatever they negotiate with the customer. This does not mean they can charge unlimited amounts — they still must disclose the fee in advance and cannot charge an unreasonable or fraudulent amount — but there is no state-set cap.
If you live in a state without a fee maximum, call ahead and ask what the notary charges. Prices can vary significantly from one notary to another. Shopping around is worth your time, especially if you need multiple signatures notarized or if the notary will have to travel to you.
Extra charges notaries may add
Beyond the per-signature fee, some states allow notaries to charge for additional services. Travel fees are common — if you ask the notary to come to your home or office instead of meeting at their location, they may charge a mileage fee or a flat travel charge. This is usually capped at a reasonable amount, like $1 to $2 per mile or a flat $25 to $50 trip charge, depending on the state.
Some notaries charge for making certified copies of documents, though this is separate from the notarization fee itself. A few states allow notaries to charge for preparing or reviewing documents before notarizing them, though this is less common and is sometimes prohibited. Always ask whether the quoted fee includes everything or if there will be additional charges.
If a notary quotes you a price and then adds surprise charges after the work is done, that is not legal. The fee must be disclosed before the service is performed.
What to do if a notary overcharges
If a notary charges you more than the state maximum, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that regulates notaries in your state. Keep your receipt or any written confirmation of what you paid. Include the notary's name, location, the date of service, and the amount charged.
You may also be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank if you paid by card. Some states allow you to file a complaint online; others require a written letter. The regulatory agency will investigate whether the notary violated the fee schedule and may take action against their commission if they did.
If you were overcharged by a small amount and want to resolve it quickly, you can also contact the notary directly and ask them to refund the difference. Many overcharges happen by mistake, and a notary may correct it without needing a formal complaint.
Finding a notary and confirming their fees
You can find notaries through your bank, local library, UPS Store, or online notary directories. When you contact a notary, ask three things: what is your fee per signature, are there any additional charges, and what documents do I need to bring. Write down the answer or ask them to send it to you in an email so you have it in writing.
If the notary hesitates to tell you their fee or gives you a vague answer, that is a reason to call someone else. A professional notary will have their fee schedule ready and will state it clearly. If you are notarizing a loan document or something complex, ask whether the notary has experience with that type of document — some notaries charge the same fee regardless, but others may have a higher rate for documents that require more time or informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge me if I bring the wrong documents?
No. A notary should tell you before performing any service what documents you need and what the fee will be. If you show up without the right documents, the notary should not charge you. However, if you ask the notary to review your documents and advise you on what you need, some notaries may charge a consultation fee — ask first.
What if I need the same document notarized multiple times?
You pay the per-signature fee for each signature notarized. If you need five copies of the same document notarized, that is five separate notarizations and five separate fees. Some notaries offer a small discount if you are notarizing many copies at once, but they are not required to.
Do online notaries charge the same as in-person notaries?
Online notaries are still bound by state fee maximums, so the per-signature fee should be the same. However, some online notary services add platform fees or technology fees on top of the notary's fee. Read the full cost breakdown before you use an online service.
Can a bank notary charge me a fee?
Many banks offer free notary services to their customers as a benefit. If your bank has a notary, ask whether the service is free for account holders. If you are not a customer or if the bank does not offer free notarization, the notary can charge the state maximum fee.
What if the notary's posted fee is higher than the state maximum?
That is illegal. Do not use that notary. Report them to your state's Secretary of State office with the notary's name, location, and the fee you saw posted. The state will investigate and may revoke their commission if they are charging above the legal limit.