Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries

A notary cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to collect for each notarization. In most states, that maximum is between $2 and $15 per signature. Some states set no limit at all, and a few states set minimums instead. The notary you hire must stay within their state's legal range.

Because the law sets a ceiling rather than a fixed price, two notaries in the same state may charge different amounts—one might charge $5 per signature while another charges $10. Both are legal. Some notaries charge less than the maximum; some charge the maximum; some charge a flat fee for the whole job instead of per signature.

If a notary quotes you a price that exceeds your state's maximum, that notary is breaking the law. You can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or the body that oversees notaries in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum a notary can charge per signature, usually between $2 and $15, though some states have no limit.
  • Two notaries in the same state can legally charge different amounts as long as both stay within the legal maximum.
  • Some notaries charge per signature, others charge a flat fee for the whole job, and some offer discounts for multiple signatures on the same document.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some employers offer notary services to customers or employees for free or at a reduced rate.
  • Travel fees, rush fees, and fees for unusual documents (like certified copies or oaths) may be allowed in addition to the base notarization fee.

What your state's maximum fee actually is

The easiest way to find your state's maximum is to search "[your state] notary maximum fee" or visit your Secretary of State website and look for the notary section. A few examples: California allows up to $15 per signature, New York allows up to $2 per signature, Texas allows up to $6 per signature, and Florida allows up to $10 per signature. Some states like Illinois and Pennsylvania have no state-set maximum, meaning notaries can charge what they choose.

Even if your state has no maximum, many notaries still charge in the $5 to $15 range because that is what the market expects. If a notary in a no-limit state quotes you $50 for a single signature, you can shop around—but you cannot report them for breaking a law that does not exist.

Your state's Secretary of State office can tell you the exact maximum in your state and can also confirm whether a notary is currently commissioned and in good standing.

How notaries structure their charges

Most notaries charge one of three ways: per signature, per document, or a flat fee for the whole job. A document with three signatures might cost $15 if the notary charges $5 per signature, or it might cost $10 if they charge a flat $10 per document. Some notaries offer a discount if you bring multiple documents at once—for example, $5 per signature for the first document and $3 per signature for each additional one.

Travel fees are common when you ask a notary to come to your home or office. This fee is usually separate from the notarization fee itself and might range from $15 to $50 depending on distance and the notary's location. Some notaries will not travel at all; others build travel into their pricing.

Additional fees may explore for services beyond a standard notarization. A certified copy (a notarized photocopy of an original document) often costs more than a straightforward notarization. An oath or affidavit (where you swear under penalty of perjury that something is true) may also carry a separate fee. Ask the notary upfront what the total cost will be for your specific task.

Where to find notaries and what they typically charge

Banks and credit unions often offer notary services free to account holders or for a small fee. Call your bank's main branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free. Many do not advertise this, so you have to ask directly.

UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacy chains (like Staples and CVS) employ notaries. These typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. You can call ahead to confirm they have a notary available and to ask their fee.

Independent notaries advertise online through Google Maps, Yelp, and notary-specific websites. Prices vary widely. Some employers and law firms offer notary services to employees or clients at no charge. If you are having a lawyer draft a document for you, ask whether they will notarize it as part of the service.

What affects the price you actually pay

The complexity of the document matters. A straightforward one-page power of attorney is straightforward; a multi-page loan package with sections the notary must read carefully takes longer and may cost more. Some notaries charge extra for documents they find unclear or that require them to ask you detailed questions to verify your identity and intent.

Your location affects price. Notaries in rural areas may charge more because they have fewer clients and higher travel costs. Notaries in cities with many competitors may charge less. Rush jobs—notarization needed the same day—sometimes carry an extra fee.

Whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you changes the price. Mobile notaries (who travel to you) almost always charge more than notaries who work from an office. If you can get to their location, you will usually pay less.

How to avoid overpaying

Call or email at least two notaries and ask for a quote before you commit. Be specific about what you need: how many documents, how many signatures, whether you need certified copies, and whether you need the notary to travel. A vague question gets a vague answer.

Check your state's maximum fee. If a notary quotes you more than the legal maximum, that is a red flag. Report it to your Secretary of State.

Ask whether your bank, employer, or a lawyer you are already working with can notarize for you. Free or discounted notarization through an institution you already use is the best deal available.

If you need multiple documents notarized, ask whether the notary offers a package discount. Some will notarize five documents for less than five times the single-document price.

When you might pay more than the base fee

Travel fees are legal and common. If you ask a notary to come to your home or office, expect to pay $15 to $50 on top of the notarization fee, depending on distance. Some notaries include travel within a certain radius in their base price; others charge for every mile.

Certified copies often cost more than a standard notarization because the notary must compare the original to the copy and certify that they match. This might add $2 to $10 per copy depending on your state and the notary.

Oaths and affidavits—where you swear under penalty of perjury that a statement is true—may have their own fee separate from notarization. This is legal in most states.

Rush fees (same-day or after-hours service) are allowed in some states but not others. Ask the notary whether they charge extra for urgent work and whether they offer it at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me if I bring my own document?

Yes. A notary charges for the notarization service itself, not for the document. Whether you bring a document you wrote, one a lawyer drafted, or one you printed from a website, the notary charges the same fee. The only exception is if the notary refuses to notarize a document they believe is fraudulent or improper—in that case, you pay nothing.

What if the notary makes a mistake on my document?

You should not pay for a notarization that is incorrect. If the notary makes an error—wrong date, misspelled name, missing seal—ask them to correct it at no charge. If they refuse or if the error is serious enough that the document is now unusable, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Keep your receipt and contact your state's notary oversight office if the notary will not fix their mistake.

Is it cheaper to get notarized at a bank than at a UPS store?

Usually yes, because banks often notarize for free or for $2 to $5, while UPS stores typically charge $5 to $15. However, not all banks have notaries, and some charge account holders less than non-customers. Call your bank first; if they cannot help, then try UPS or an independent notary.

Can I notarize something online?

Some states allow remote notarization using video conferencing, but not all. The notary must be commissioned in your state and must follow that state's rules for remote notarization. Prices for remote notarization are often the same as in-person, though some notaries charge slightly less because there is no travel. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is allowed where you live.

What should I bring to a notarization appointment?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), the document you need notarized, and any other documents the notary asked for. Bring a pen in case you need to sign. Ask the notary in advance what they need so you do not make a wasted trip.