Florida notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries
Florida Statute 117.05 caps what a notary public can charge per notarization. As of now, a notary in Florida can charge up to $10 per signature on a document. If a document requires multiple signatures, the notary can charge $10 for each one. For example, if you need both you and a witness to sign the same document, that is two signatures and two $10 fees.
Some notaries charge less than the maximum. A bank notary or a notary working inside a law office may charge nothing if you are a customer or client. A mobile notary who travels to you will often charge the full $10 per signature, sometimes plus a travel fee. The key point is that no notary in Florida can legally charge more than $10 per signature, regardless of how urgent the job is or how far they travel.
The $10 cap applies to the act of notarizing itself — witnessing your signature, checking your ID, and stamping the document. Separate services, like copying documents or scanning them to email, are not part of the notarization fee and may cost extra depending on where you go.
Key Takeaways
- Florida law sets a maximum fee of $10 per signature, and no notary can legally charge more than that amount.
- Bank notaries and notaries at law offices often charge nothing to customers or clients, even though they are allowed to charge up to $10.
- Mobile notaries who come to your home or office typically charge the full $10 per signature plus may add a travel fee.
- Document copying, scanning, or mailing services are separate from the notarization fee and may cost extra.
- The fee covers only the notarization itself — witnessing your signature, verifying your identity, and explore the notary seal.
Where to find a notary and what to expect to pay
Banks are often the cheapest option because most offer notary services free to account holders. Call your bank's main branch or check their website to see if they have a notary on staff. Some banks require an appointment; others take walk-ins during business hours. If you do not have a bank account there, you may still be able to use their notary for the $10 fee.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices almost always have notaries. Again, they may charge nothing if you are a client, or $10 if you are not. Real estate offices are especially common in Florida because of the volume of property transactions. A quick phone call will tell you whether they charge and whether they can see you the same day.
UPS stores, FedEx locations, and other shipping centers often have notaries on staff. These are reliable for walk-in service and typically charge the full $10 per signature. Hours are usually longer than a bank, including evenings and weekends.
Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge $10 per signature plus a travel fee, which ranges from $10 to $50 depending on distance and how far outside their normal service area you are. Mobile notaries are useful if you cannot leave your home, work during bank hours, or need service outside normal business hours. Search online for "mobile notary near me" or check apps like Notarize or Notaryo, which connect you to notaries in your area and show their travel fees upfront.
What documents need notarization and what does not
Not every document needs a notary. Common documents that do include powers of attorney, affidavits, real estate deeds, mortgage documents, and some loan applications. Your lender, attorney, or the organization requesting the document will tell you if notarization is required. If they do not say it is required, it probably is not.
Some documents are notarized for extra proof of authenticity even when not legally required — for example, a letter of recommendation or a personal statement you want to carry extra weight. In those cases, notarization is optional, and you choose whether the $10 fee is worth it to you.
A notary cannot notarize a document they signed themselves, and they cannot notarize a document for a close family member in most cases. If you run into this issue, you will need to find a different notary.
What to bring when you visit a notary
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and verify that you are the person signing the document. Without ID, a notary cannot proceed, so this is non-negotiable.
Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. Do not sign the document before you arrive; the notary must see you sign it. If the document is multiple pages, bring all pages.
If the document asks for a notary seal or certification, the notary will add that after you sign. Some documents specify what type of notarization is needed — for example, an acknowledgment versus a jurat. The person who gave you the document should have told you which type. If you are unsure, bring the document to the notary and ask; they will know what is needed.
Travel fees and rush charges do not exist in Florida law
Florida law does not allow notaries to charge a rush fee or an expedited fee, no matter how quickly you need the document notarized. The $10 per signature is the only fee allowed for the notarization itself.
Mobile notaries, however, can charge a travel fee on top of the $10 signature fee. This travel fee is not regulated by state law, so it varies. A notary traveling within their usual service area might charge $15 to $25 total ($10 notarization plus $15 travel). A notary traveling far outside their area might charge $50 or more in travel fees. Always ask about the travel fee before booking a mobile notary.
If you need a document notarized the same day, your fastest option is usually a UPS store, FedEx, or mobile notary, since banks and law offices may have limited availability. Call ahead to confirm they can see you and have time in their schedule.
How notary fees work for documents with multiple pages or signatures
The fee is per signature, not per page. If you have a 20-page document but only one person signs it once, that is one $10 fee. If two people each sign the same document, that is two signatures and two $10 fees ($20 total).
Some documents require a notary signature as well as your signature. For example, an affidavit requires you to sign and the notary to sign and seal. That is still one notarization and one $10 fee — the notary's signature is part of the notarization process, not a separate charge.
If you have multiple separate documents that each need notarization, each one is a separate fee. A document is separate if it is a different legal instrument — for example, a power of attorney and a deed are two separate documents, so that would be two $10 fees (assuming one signature on each).
What happens if a notary overcharges you
If a notary charges you more than $10 per signature, report it to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. You can file a complaint online or by mail. Include the notary's name, the date of the notarization, what you were charged, and what the document was. The state investigates complaints and can discipline notaries who violate fee rules.
Keep your receipt from the notary. If you paid by card, your bank statement is also proof of what you paid. Having documentation makes a complaint easier to investigate.
In practice, overcharging is rare because most notaries know the law and most people use notaries at banks or established businesses that follow the rules. But if it happens to you, the state has a process to address it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge me for looking at my ID?
No. The $10 fee covers the entire notarization, including verifying your ID. A notary cannot break the fee into parts or charge separately for ID verification, document review, or any other component of the notarization process.
Do I have to pay the notary if they refuse to notarize my document?
No. If a notary refuses the job — for example, because you do not have proper ID or the document is unclear — you do not owe a fee. You only pay if the notarization is completed.
What if I need a notary on a Sunday or holiday?
Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends, though they may charge a higher travel fee for off-hours service. Call ahead to ask. Banks and law offices are usually closed on Sundays and holidays. Some UPS stores and FedEx locations are open on Sundays; check their hours online.
Can a notary charge extra if the document is in another language?
No. The $10 per signature fee is the maximum, regardless of the document's language. However, a notary is not required to notarize a document they cannot read or understand. If the notary declines because of the language, you will need to find a notary who speaks that language.
Is there a fee if I bring multiple documents to notarize at once?
You pay $10 per signature, not per document. If you bring five documents but only sign each one once, that is five signatures and five $10 fees ($50 total). If you bring one document and two people sign it, that is two signatures and two $10 fees ($20 total).