Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries, and range from $0.50 to $15 per signature depending on where you live

Every state has a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to charge. That cap varies widely — some states permit $2 per signature, others allow $10 or $15. A few states, like Florida and Texas, set no statewide maximum at all, which means notaries in those places can charge what the market will bear. The fee you pay depends entirely on which state the notary is licensed in, not on how busy they are or how complicated the document is.

Most notaries charge less than the legal maximum. A notary in a state where the cap is $5 might charge $3 or $4 per signature to stay competitive. If you're having multiple documents notarized in the same visit, some notaries will charge per document rather than per signature — so a five-page document with one signature might cost $5, not $25.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, and these caps range from under $1 to $15 per signature depending on your state.
  • Most notaries charge less than the legal maximum, and many offer discounts if you need multiple documents notarized at once.
  • Travel fees, loan signing fees, and remote notarization fees are separate from the per-signature charge and vary by notary.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some government offices often notarize documents free for customers or the public, so calling ahead can save you money.

State-by-state fee caps and what they mean for you

Your state's maximum fee is the hard ceiling. In California, notaries can charge up to $15 per signature. In New York, the cap is $2 per signature. In Georgia, it's $5. If a notary quotes you more than your state's maximum, they are breaking the law, and you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

The actual fee you pay is usually lower. A notary in California might charge $10 per signature instead of the full $15. A notary in New York might charge $2 because that's the cap and they're at market rate. The point is: know your state's maximum before you call, so you know whether a quote is reasonable.

Some states have no statewide cap at all. Florida, Texas, and a handful of others let notaries set their own fees. In those states, you should call ahead and ask the price before you commit to using a particular notary. Prices in unregulated states can range from $5 to $50 per signature depending on the notary's location and reputation.

Travel fees and loan signing fees

The per-signature fee is only part of the cost. If a notary has to travel to you — to your home, your office, or a hospital — they can charge a travel fee on top of the signature fee. This fee is not capped by state law in most places, so it varies widely. A notary might charge $25 to $75 for travel, depending on distance and whether they're traveling during business hours or evenings.

Loan signings are a special case. When you're closing on a mortgage or refinancing, the lender often hires a notary to witness your signature on closing documents. These signings are more complex than a straightforward notarization, and notaries typically charge $75 to $200 for the full service, depending on the state and the number of documents. This fee is separate from the per-signature cap and is negotiated between the notary and the lender.

Remote notarization and video notary fees

Remote notarization — where you sign documents over video while the notary watches — is legal in most states now, but not all. The states that allow it often permit notaries to charge an additional fee for the technology and the extra time involved. A remote notarization might cost $15 to $50 per signature, depending on the state and the notary's setup.

Some notaries use specialized platforms like Notarize or Notaryo that handle the video connection and identity verification. If you use one of these services, you'll pay the notary's fee plus a platform fee, which can add $25 to $50 to the total cost. Always ask whether the quote includes platform fees before you commit.

Where to get notarization for free or low cost

Your bank or credit union will often notarize documents free if you're a customer. Call your branch and ask — many banks have at least one notary on staff, and they'll do it while you wait. If you don't have a bank account, some credit unions will notarize for non-members at a reduced rate or for free.

Government offices sometimes offer free notarization. Your county clerk's office, your state representative's office, or your city hall may have a notary available to the public at no charge. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and whether you need an appointment.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies often notarize documents free as part of their business. If you're buying a house or working with a lawyer, ask whether they can notarize what you need. Libraries in some states offer free notarization to patrons, so check your local library's website.

How to find a notary and confirm the fee before you go

Search online for "notary public near me" or check your state's Secretary of State website, which often maintains a directory of licensed notaries. You can also call your bank, your lawyer, or your local title company and ask for a referral.

Before you visit or schedule an appointment, call the notary and ask three things: the per-signature fee, whether they charge per document instead, and whether there are any additional fees (travel, remote, or otherwise). Write down the answer so you have it in writing if there's a dispute later. If the quote is higher than your state's maximum, do not use that notary.

Ask whether the notary needs you to bring anything besides the document. Most notaries require a government-issued photo ID. Some require that you bring the document unsigned — they won't notarize a document you've already signed. A few require that you bring a witness. Knowing this ahead of time saves you a wasted trip.

What affects notary pricing

The per-signature fee is capped by state law, so notaries compete on service, not price. A notary in a busy downtown area might charge the full state maximum because they have high demand. A notary in a rural area might charge less to attract business. A notary who specializes in loan signings might charge more because they have specialized training and liability insurance.

The time of day matters for travel fees. A notary who comes to your home at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday might charge $30 for travel. The same notary at 7 p.m. on a Saturday might charge $75 because they're working outside normal hours. If you're flexible on timing, ask whether the notary offers a lower rate for daytime appointments.

The complexity of the document doesn't change the per-signature fee — state law sets that. But it can affect how long the notary spends with you, which might affect travel fees or whether they'll take the job at all. A notary might decline to notarize a 50-page document with 10 signatures if the fee structure doesn't make it worth their time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge more than my state's maximum?

No. State law sets a hard ceiling on per-signature fees, and notaries who exceed it are breaking the law. If you're quoted more than your state's maximum, report it to your state's Secretary of State office. The exception is travel fees, remote fees, and loan signing fees, which are often not capped and are negotiated separately.

Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?

That depends on the mistake and your state's law. If the notary refuses to notarize because you don't have proper ID, you don't owe them anything. If they notarize the document incorrectly and you have to come back, most notaries will redo it free. Ask the notary about their policy on corrections before you pay.

What if I need notarization on a Sunday or holiday?

Some notaries work weekends and holidays, but they'll charge a premium — often double or triple the normal fee. Call ahead and ask. Your bank or credit union might be open on Saturday, which is a cheaper option than hiring a notary for weekend work.

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document they signed or have a financial interest in. You must use a different notary. This is a legal requirement in all states.

How much does it cost to notarize a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is usually one document with one or two signatures, so you'll pay the per-signature fee for your state — typically $2 to $15. If the notary has to travel to you, add the travel fee. If you need it done remotely, add the remote fee. Call a notary and ask for a total quote before you commit.