Notary fees depend on your state and the type of document, not on the notary's choice

Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries. Most states cap what a notary can charge per signature or per document. The fee you pay depends on where you live, how many signatures need witnessing, and what kind of document it is. Some states allow a flat fee per document; others charge by the signature. A few states set no maximum at all, which means prices can vary widely.

The most common range is $2 to $15 per signature in states with price caps. States like California, New York, and Texas have specific maximums written into law. If you're using a notary at a bank where you have an account, the service is often free. Mobile notaries—who come to you—typically charge more because they add a travel fee on top of the per-signature cost.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum notary can charge, so the fee depends on your location, not the notary's preference.
  • Most states charge $2 to $15 per signature, though some states have no legal cap and prices can be higher.
  • Banks often notarize documents free for customers, making them the cheapest option if you have an account.
  • Mobile notaries add a travel fee (usually $25 to $75) on top of the per-signature charge because they come to your location.
  • The total cost depends on how many signatures the document needs, not the document's value or importance.

How state law sets the price you pay

Each state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum fee a notary can charge. California allows up to $15 per signature. New York caps it at $2 per signature for most documents, though some types cost more. Texas sets $6 per signature as the maximum. If your state has no cap, notaries can charge whatever they want, so you may see fees of $20, $30, or higher in those places.

The fee structure also varies by state. Some states charge one flat fee per document no matter how many signatures it has. Others charge per signature, which means a document with three signatures costs three times the per-signature rate. A few states charge differently depending on whether the notary is witnessing a signature, taking an oath, or certifying a copy. Check your state's Secretary of State website to find the exact rules where you live.

Where to find a notary and what each option costs

Banks are the cheapest option if you have an account there. Most banks notarize documents free for customers as a service. Call ahead to confirm the bank offers notary services and ask if you need an appointment. Some banks only notarize during certain hours or require you to be a long-standing customer.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices also offer notary services. They typically charge the state maximum or slightly less. These businesses often notarize documents related to their work (like real estate closings) at no extra charge, but will charge the standard fee for unrelated documents.

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge the state per-signature fee plus a travel fee, which usually ranges from $25 to $75 depending on distance and how far outside the city you are. Some mobile notaries have a minimum fee (for example, $50 minimum even if the notarization itself is only $5). This option costs more but saves you time if you cannot get to a notary's office.

Online notary services are available in some states. These use video conferencing to connect you with a notary remotely. The fee is usually the state maximum per signature, sometimes with a small platform fee added. Not all document types can be notarized online—real estate deeds and some legal documents often require in-person notarization.

What affects the total cost of notarization

The number of signatures on the document is the main cost driver. A one-page power of attorney with one signature costs less than a three-page deed with three signatures. Count the signatures before you go to the notary so you know what to expect.

The type of document matters in some states. Affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan documents are standard notarizations that cost the base fee. Certified copies (where the notary certifies that a copy matches the original) sometimes cost more. Oaths or affirmations (where the notary administers an oath rather than just witnessing a signature) may have a separate fee in some states.

Whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you changes the price significantly. In-office notarization costs only the per-signature fee. Mobile notarization adds the travel fee, which is often larger than the notarization fee itself. If you need multiple documents notarized, ask the mobile notary if they charge per document or per visit—some charge one travel fee for all documents signed during a single visit.

How to find the exact fee in your state

Visit your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary fees" or "notary maximum fees." The site will show you the legal maximum your state allows. If your state has no cap, the site usually says so explicitly.

Call ahead before you visit a notary. Ask what they charge per signature and whether there are any additional fees (such as a fee for certified copies or a minimum charge). If you are using a mobile notary, ask about the travel fee and whether it applies to your location.

For banks, call the branch where you have an account and ask if they notarize documents free for customers. Ask whether you need an appointment and what hours the notary is available. Some branches have a notary only on certain days.

Common mistakes that cost you extra

Bringing a document with blank signature lines is the most common mistake. The notary cannot notarize a blank signature—you must sign the document in front of the notary. If you sign it beforehand and then bring it, the notary has to refuse or charge you to witness a new signature. Always leave the signature line blank until you are in front of the notary.

Not bringing identification is another costly error. Notaries are required by law to verify your identity using government-issued ID. If you show up without a driver's license, passport, or state ID, the notary cannot proceed. You will have to go home, get your ID, and come back—wasting time and possibly paying a second fee if the notary charges per visit.

Assuming the notary can notarize anything is a third mistake. Some documents cannot be notarized at all (like blank forms or documents you did not sign yourself). Some can only be notarized in person, not online. Ask before you go whether the notary can handle your specific document type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge more than the state maximum?

No, not in states with a legal cap. If your state sets a maximum fee, notaries cannot charge more. In states with no cap, notaries can charge whatever they want. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether your state has a maximum.

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

No. If the notary makes an error that makes the notarization invalid, they should redo it at no charge. If you have already paid and the notarization is rejected, ask the notary to correct it for free. If they refuse, contact your state's Secretary of State office to file a complaint.

Is it cheaper to notarize multiple documents at once?

It depends on the fee structure. If your state charges per signature, the cost is the same whether you notarize one document or ten—you pay for each signature. If the notary charges a flat fee per visit, bringing multiple documents saves money. Ask the notary before you go.

Why do mobile notaries charge so much more?

Mobile notaries add a travel fee because they come to you instead of you going to them. The travel fee covers gas, time, and the notary's mileage. For a single document, the travel fee often exceeds the notarization fee itself, making mobile notarization the most expensive option.

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

Online notarization is available in most states but not all document types may have access to. Real estate deeds and some legal documents must be notarized in person. Online notarization usually costs the same as in-person notarization—the state maximum per signature—so there is no cost savings, only convenience.