Notary fees vary by state and by the type of document, but most notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature

The cost of notary services depends on where you live, who performs the notarization, and what document needs to be notarized. A single signature on a straightforward document at a local notary public typically costs $5 to $15. If you need the notary to travel to you, witness multiple signatures, or handle a more complex document, the fee rises. Some states set maximum fees by law; others leave pricing to the notary's judgment.

The most common scenario—walking into a bank, UPS Store, or independent notary office with one document—usually falls in the $10 to $15 range. Mobile notaries who come to your home or office charge more, typically $25 to $75 or higher depending on distance and time. Certified copies, oaths, and affidavits may have separate fees on top of the notarization itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard notarization of a single signature costs $5 to $15 in most places, though some states cap fees by law and others do not.
  • Mobile notaries who travel to you charge $25 to $75 or more, depending on how far they must go and how long the job takes.
  • Banks, credit unions, and UPS Stores often notarize documents free or at low cost for customers, so check with your own financial institution first.
  • Certified copies, multiple signatures, and oaths may each carry their own fee on top of the base notarization charge.
  • Some states publish maximum allowable fees; others do not, so prices can vary widely even within the same city.

Where to find notary services and what each option costs

Banks and credit unions frequently notarize documents for free if you hold an account with them. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment. Many do not charge account holders but may charge non-customers $10 to $15 for the same work.

UPS Stores, FedEx Office locations, and other shipping centers employ notaries and typically charge $10 to $20 per signature. These are walk-in friendly and often have evening or weekend hours. Independent notary offices, found through a local search or referral, usually charge $10 to $15 for a single signature but may have different rates for multiple documents or signers.

Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or another location you choose. Expect to pay $25 to $75 for a local trip, or more if you live far from the notary's base. Some mobile notaries charge a flat fee; others charge an hourly rate plus travel. If you need notarization at an unusual time—early morning, late evening, or weekend—mobile notaries are often your only option, and rush fees may explore.

State-by-state fee limits and how they affect what you pay

About half of U.S. states set a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to charge. These caps typically range from $5 to $10 per signature. States with fee caps include California (maximum $15 per signature as of recent law), Florida ($10), Texas ($6), and New York ($2 to $5 depending on the type of document). In these states, you know the ceiling before you call.

States without fee caps—including many in the Midwest and South—allow notaries to set their own prices. In these places, a notary might charge $5 or $25 for the same work depending on their location, experience, or business model. Call ahead or check the notary's website to learn their rate before you arrive.

Even in states with fee caps, additional charges may explore. A notary might charge the maximum for a signature but add a separate fee for a certified copy, an oath, or travel. Read any price quote carefully to understand what is and is not included.

Extra charges beyond the basic notarization fee

A certified copy—a notarized photocopy of an original document—often costs more than a straightforward notarization. The notary must examine the original, verify it is a true copy, and then sign and seal the copy. This typically adds $5 to $10 to the base fee, sometimes more if the document is long or requires multiple pages to be copied.

An oath or affidavit—a sworn statement that a notary witnesses and certifies—may carry its own fee separate from a standard notarization. Some notaries include this in their base rate; others charge an additional $5 to $10. Ask whether the fee you are quoted covers an oath or only a signature.

Travel fees explore when a mobile notary comes to you. Some charge a flat $25 to $50 for local travel; others charge per mile or per 15 minutes of driving time. If you need the notary outside normal business hours—before 8 a.m., after 5 p.m., or on a weekend—expect a rush or after-hours surcharge of $10 to $25 or more.

How to find the lowest cost notary near you

Start with your own bank or credit union. Many offer free notarization to account holders, which is the lowest possible cost. Call the branch nearest you and ask whether they notarize documents and whether you need an appointment. Some branches do not offer the service, so do not assume all locations are the same.

Check UPS Stores and FedEx Office locations in your area. Their fees are usually transparent on their websites or available by phone. These chains are consistent in pricing within a state, so you can compare quickly.

Search online for "notary public near me" or "mobile notary [your city]" to find independent notaries. Many list their fees on their websites or Google Business profiles. Call three or four to compare prices and availability. If you need the service urgently or outside business hours, ask which notaries offer evening or weekend appointments—they may charge more, but availability matters more than saving a few dollars.

What affects the total cost of your notarization

The number of signatures you need notarized is the biggest cost driver after location. One signature might cost $10; three signatures on the same document might cost $30 if the notary charges per signature. Ask whether the notary charges per signature or per document.

The type of document can matter. A straightforward one-page letter takes less time than a 10-page contract. Some notaries charge a flat rate regardless; others charge more for longer documents. Certified copies almost always cost more than a straightforward notarization because the notary must verify the original and copy it.

Your location and the notary's location affect cost. A notary in a major city may charge more than one in a rural area. If you need a mobile notary, distance from their office directly raises the price. Timing also matters: same-day or rush service costs more than scheduling a few days ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online, and does it cost less?

Remote online notarization is available in most states and is performed by a notary via video call. Fees are usually similar to in-person notarization—$10 to $25—though some online notary services charge a flat rate per document. You will need a camera, internet connection, and valid ID. Check whether your state allows remote notarization for your specific document type, as some states restrict it.

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

No. If a notary makes an error—misspells your name, dates the document incorrectly, or fails to sign properly—they should correct it at no additional charge. If you discover the error later and must return, most notaries will redo the work free of charge. Keep your receipt in case you need to return.

What if I need notarization for multiple documents at once?

Ask whether the notary charges per document or per signature. If you have five documents with one signature each, some notaries charge $10 total; others charge $10 per document. Clarify the pricing before you start. Bundling multiple documents with one notary usually costs less than visiting separate notaries.

Is there a difference in cost between a notary public and a commissioned notary?

No. A notary public and a commissioned notary are the same thing—both are authorized by the state to notarize documents. The title varies by state, but the service and fee are identical. Do not pay extra for one over the other.

Can I negotiate the notary fee?

In states with fee caps, no—the notary cannot legally charge more than the maximum. In states without caps, you can ask, but most notaries have set rates and will not discount. If you need multiple documents or are a regular customer, some independent notaries may offer a small discount, but do not expect it.