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. These limits vary widely — some states cap fees at $5 per signature, others allow $15 or more. A few states do not set a maximum at all, leaving the price negotiable.

The fee depends on what the notary is doing: witnessing a signature costs one amount, making a certified copy costs another, and taking an oath or affirmation costs a third. Some states charge the same fee for all notarial acts. Others break them into separate categories with different maximums.

If a notary charges more than the state maximum, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that oversees notaries in your state. Overcharging is a violation of their notary commission.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Secretary of State or notary regulatory body publishes the maximum fee schedule, and notaries must follow it.
  • Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per notarial act, but some states set no maximum and a few charge less than $5.
  • Different notarial acts — witnessing a signature, certifying a copy, administering an oath — may have different maximum fees in your state.
  • If a notary overcharges you, you can report the violation to your state's Secretary of State office.
  • Some notaries charge less than the maximum, and you can always ask what they charge before the service is performed.

How to find your state's notary fee limits

Start by searching "[your state] notary public fee schedule" or "[your state] notary maximum fees." Most states publish this information on the Secretary of State website under the notary public section.

If you cannot find it online, call your state's Secretary of State office directly and ask for the current notary fee schedule. They can tell you the maximum for each type of notarial act and whether your state allows notaries to charge less.

Some states also allow notaries to charge a travel fee if they come to you, separate from the per-act fee. This is usually capped as well, but the amount and rules vary by state. Ask the notary whether travel fees explore before they visit.

Common notarial acts and what they typically cost

A signature witnessing — the notary watches you sign a document and stamps it — is the most common notarial act. Maximum fees for this range from $5 in some states to $15 in others.

A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that the notary certifies is a true copy. Some states charge per page, others charge per document. Maximums range from $5 to $10 per page or per copy.

An oath or affirmation — where the notary administers a sworn statement — may cost the same as a signature witnessing or may be listed separately. A few states charge $10 to $15 for this act.

A jurat is a notarized statement where you swear under oath that the contents are true. This is sometimes charged at the same rate as a signature witnessing and sometimes as a separate act.

States with no maximum fee or unusual rules

A small number of states do not set a maximum notary fee, meaning the notary and customer can negotiate the price. These states typically require the notary to disclose their fee before performing the service. If you live in one of these states, ask the notary what they charge and shop around if the price seems high.

Some states allow notaries to charge a fee only if they are not a bank employee, government worker, or other official performing notary duties as part of their job. In those cases, the notary service may be free. Check whether your notary is acting in an official capacity before assuming you will be charged.

A few states have lower maximums than others — for example, some cap fees at $2 to $3 per act. If you are moving to a new state or working with a notary in another state, always check that state's rules rather than assuming the fee will match your home state.

What to do if a notary overcharges you

If a notary charges you more than your state's maximum fee, ask for an itemized receipt showing what you were charged for. Write down the date, time, location, and the notary's name and commission number if visible.

Contact your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that regulates notaries in your state. Most states have a complaint process for notary misconduct. You can file a complaint online, by mail, or by phone. Include the receipt, the date of the service, and the amount overcharged.

You may also request a refund directly from the notary. Many notaries will refund the overage if you point out the error, especially if it was unintentional. Keep a copy of any communication about the refund for your records.

When notary services are free

Many banks offer notary services free to customers who have an account with them. Call your bank and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for account holders.

Some employers, unions, and legal aid organizations provide free notary services to members or clients. If you work for a large company or belong to a union, ask your HR or membership office whether notary services are available.

Public libraries in some states offer free or low-cost notary services. Call your local library branch and ask whether a notary is available and what they charge.

Government offices — such as your county clerk's office or courthouse — sometimes have notaries on staff who perform services free or at a reduced rate. This varies by location, so call ahead to confirm.

How notary fees are different from other charges

The notary fee is separate from any fees charged by the organization requesting the notarization. For example, if you need a notarized copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office, you pay the vital records office for the certified copy itself, and you pay the notary separately for notarizing it. Do not confuse the two.

Some services bundle notary fees into a larger service charge. For example, a title company handling a real estate closing may charge a closing fee that includes notary costs. Ask for an itemized breakdown so you know how much is going to the notary and how much is going to the title company.

If you are paying a lawyer, accountant, or other professional who uses a notary as part of their service, the notary fee may be included in their bill or charged separately. Ask before the work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me if I bring the document to their office?

Yes. The state maximum fee applies whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you. Some states allow an additional travel fee if the notary travels to you, but the per-act fee is the same either way. Ask the notary for their full fee before the service begins.

What if the notary says they charge by the hour instead of per act?

Hourly billing is not standard and may violate your state's fee schedule. Most states require notaries to charge per notarial act, not by the hour. Ask the notary to quote you a per-act fee instead, or contact your state's Secretary of State to confirm whether hourly billing is allowed in your state.

Do I have to pay the maximum fee, or can I negotiate?

The maximum is a ceiling, not a requirement. A notary can charge less than the maximum and many do. You can always ask what the notary charges before the service is performed. If the price is too high, you can look for another notary.

Can a notary charge extra if the document is long or complicated?

No. The fee is per notarial act, not per page or per level of complexity. A notary cannot charge more because the document is 10 pages instead of 1 page, or because the document is difficult to understand. The state maximum applies regardless.

What if I need multiple notarizations on the same day?

You pay per notarial act. If you need three signatures notarized, you pay three times the per-act fee. Some notaries offer a small discount if you need many acts done at once, but they are not required to. Ask whether they offer a package rate before the service begins.