Notary fees are set by your state, not by you

You cannot charge whatever you want as a notary. Each state has a maximum fee schedule — the most you are legally allowed to charge for each service. Some states set exact fees; others set a ceiling. If you charge more than your state allows, you can lose your commission and face fines.

The fee you can charge depends on three things: which state you are commissioned in, what service the signer is requesting, and whether you are notarizing a document in person or remotely (by video). A signature on a single document costs less than certifying a copy or taking a sworn statement.

Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the official fee schedule. You are required to know it and follow it. Many notaries post their state's fee schedule on their website or give it to clients before the appointment so there are no surprises.

Key Takeaways

  • Each state sets a maximum notary fee schedule; you cannot charge more than your state allows, and some states set exact fees you must charge.
  • Common notary services — signature witnessing, copy certification, and oath administration — have different maximum fees within the same state.
  • Remote notarization (by video) often has a higher fee ceiling than in-person notarization in states that allow it.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the official fee schedule, and you are legally required to follow it.
  • Travel fees, shipping fees, and rush fees are handled differently by state — some states allow them, others do not, and limits vary.

How state fee schedules work

States publish a notary fee schedule as part of their notary laws. Some states name a specific dollar amount you must charge for each service — for example, "exactly $5 per signature." Other states set a maximum — "no more than $10 per signature" — which means you can charge less but not more.

A few states allow notaries to set their own fees within reason, but this is uncommon. Most notaries work in states with a published schedule they must follow. If you are commissioned in one state but notarize a document for someone in another state, the rules of your commission state explore, not the signer's state.

The fee schedule typically breaks down by service type. A notarial act — witnessing a signature on a document — is usually the base fee. Certifying a copy of an existing document costs more. Taking an oath or affirmation (swearing someone in) is often a separate fee. Some states charge per page; others charge per signature or per notarial act.

Common notary services and their fee ranges

The most frequent service is notarizing a signature on a single document — witnessing that a person signed it and confirming their identity. State maximums for this service typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though the exact amount varies. Some states charge per page instead of per signature, which can change the total if a document has multiple pages.

Certifying a copy — confirming that a photocopy matches the original document — usually costs more than a signature notarization. State maximums often range from $5 to $15 per copy, depending on the state and whether you are certifying one page or multiple pages.

Administering an oath or affirmation — having someone swear or affirm that a statement is true — is a separate notarial act with its own fee. This often costs $5 to $15 in states that break it out separately. Some states bundle oath administration with signature notarization; others charge separately.

Apostille certification (a special certification for international documents) and certified copies of notarial records are specialty services with their own fee limits, usually higher than standard notarizations. Not all states allow notaries to provide these services.

Remote notarization fees

States that allow remote notarization (notarizing by video call) often permit a higher fee than in-person notarization. This reflects the technology and security measures required. Some states allow notaries to charge an additional fee for the remote technology itself, separate from the notarization fee.

Not all states allow remote notarization, and the rules differ widely. Some states require the notary to be commissioned specifically for remote work; others allow any notary to perform remote notarizations. A few states do not allow it at all. Check your state's rules before offering remote services.

If you do offer remote notarization, you must still follow your state's fee schedule. You cannot charge a remote fee that exceeds the maximum your state sets for that service, even if the technology costs you more to provide.

Travel fees, shipping, and other charges

Travel fees — charging extra when you go to a client's location instead of meeting at your office — are handled differently by state. Some states allow them and set a maximum (often $0.50 to $2 per mile or a flat fee). Other states do not allow travel fees at all. A few states allow them but do not set a limit, leaving it to your judgment.

Shipping fees for returning documents are usually separate from notary fees and are not regulated by most states. You can typically charge the actual cost of shipping or a reasonable markup. However, check your state's rules — some states treat shipping as part of the notarial service and cap it.

Rush fees, expedited processing, or weekend/evening appointments are not allowed in most states. If your state does not explicitly permit them, you cannot charge extra for faster turnaround or inconvenient timing. Stick to the standard fee schedule.

What happens if you overcharge

Charging more than your state allows is a violation of your notary commission. The consequences can include a warning from your Secretary of State, a fine, suspension of your commission, or permanent revocation. Some states treat overcharging as a misdemeanor offense.

A client who discovers you overcharged can file a complaint with your state's notary regulator. Even if the overcharge was small or accidental, it creates a record. Repeated violations or large overcharges are taken more seriously and can end your commission.

The best protection is to know your state's fee schedule cold and post it where clients can see it before the appointment. Many notaries include the fee schedule on their website, in their email confirmation, or on a printed sheet they hand to clients. This transparency prevents misunderstandings and protects you.

How to find your state's fee schedule

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains the official notary fee schedule. Go to your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary fees" or "notary fee schedule." Most states publish it as a PDF or on a dedicated notary page.

If you cannot find it online, call your state's notary division directly. They can tell you the exact fees you are allowed to charge and clarify whether your state allows travel fees, remote notarization, or other add-ons. Keep a copy of the official schedule with your notary records.

If you work in multiple states, you need the fee schedule for each state you are commissioned in. Fees vary significantly — what you can charge in one state may be illegal in another. Do not assume the rules are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge less than the maximum fee my state sets?

Yes. If your state sets a maximum, you can charge anything up to that amount. Some notaries charge less to be competitive or to build their client base. If your state sets an exact fee (not a maximum), you must charge that amount — no more, no less.

What if a client asks me to charge a flat fee for multiple notarizations?

You can offer a package deal as long as the total does not exceed what you would charge if you added up each service separately under your state's fee schedule. For example, if three signatures at $10 each would be $30, you can offer all three for $25, but not for $35.

Can I charge a fee if the client cancels the appointment?

Most states do not regulate cancellation fees, so this is usually up to you. However, check your state's rules — some states prohibit any charge if the notarization does not happen. If you do charge a cancellation fee, disclose it to the client before the appointment.

Are there any services I can provide without charging a notary fee?

Some notaries offer free services like answering questions about what notarization is or reviewing a document before the appointment. You cannot charge a notary fee for work that is not a notarial act. However, once you perform an actual notarization, you must charge according to your state's schedule.

What if I am commissioned in one state but notarize a document for someone moving to another state?

Your commission state's fee schedule applies, not the state where the signer is moving. However, the document itself must meet the requirements of the state where it will be used. Confirm with the client or the receiving organization what notarization they need before you proceed.