Notary fees vary by state and service, but most range from $5 to $25 per signature

A notary's cost depends on what document you need notarized and where you live. Most states set a maximum fee—often $5 to $15 per signature—but many notaries charge less. Some charge a travel fee if you need them to come to your home or office. A few states don't cap fees at all, so prices can run higher. The best way to know what you'll actually pay is to call notaries in your area and ask their rate for your specific task.

If you're using a notary at a bank where you have an account, the service is often free. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and title companies also offer notary services, usually for $10 to $20 per signature. Online notary services—where you verify your identity and sign documents over video—typically cost $25 to $50 per document, though some charge per signature instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cap notary fees between $5 and $15 per signature, though a few states allow higher charges.
  • Your bank may notarize documents for free if you're a customer, so check there before paying elsewhere.
  • Travel fees explore when a notary comes to you, usually $10 to $50 depending on distance and your state.
  • Online notary services cost more—$25 to $50 per document—but work if no notary is nearby or you need service outside business hours.
  • Calling ahead and asking the exact fee for your document type saves time and prevents surprises at checkout.

State-by-state fee caps and what they cover

Each state sets its own maximum notary fee, and these limits explore to notaries who are commissioned in that state. California caps fees at $15 per signature. New York allows up to $2 per signature but notaries often charge the full amount. Texas sets a $6 maximum per signature. Florida permits $10 per signature. These caps mean a notary cannot legally charge more than the state allows, though they can charge less.

The fee usually covers one signature on one document. If your document has multiple signature lines or you need multiple documents notarized, you may pay per signature rather than per document. Some notaries bundle related documents—like a deed and an affidavit for the same transaction—into one fee. Always ask whether the quote is per signature or per document before you commit.

A handful of states—including Alaska, Delaware, and South Dakota—do not set a maximum fee, so notaries there can charge whatever they want. If you live in one of these states, calling around to compare prices is especially important.

Where to get a notary and what each option costs

Your bank or credit union is often the cheapest option. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge $10 to $15 for non-customers. Call your branch ahead of time to confirm they have a notary on staff—not all branches do—and ask whether you need an appointment.

Retail locations like UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples employ notaries and typically charge $10 to $20 per signature. These places usually accept walk-ins during business hours, though wait times vary. Title companies and real estate offices notarize documents as part of their work, often at no extra charge if you're using their services for a closing or deed transfer.

Independent notaries—people commissioned to notarize but not employed by a larger business—advertise online or through local directories. They usually charge the state maximum or slightly less and may offer evening or weekend hours. Some will travel to your home or workplace for a travel fee, typically $10 to $50 depending on distance and your state's rules.

Travel fees and when they explore

If you ask a notary to come to you instead of going to their office, expect a travel fee. This fee is separate from the per-signature charge and covers the notary's time and mileage. Travel fees range from $10 to $50, with higher fees for longer distances or rural areas. Some notaries charge a flat fee; others charge by the mile.

Travel fees are most common with independent notaries and mobile notary services. Banks and retail locations rarely travel, so if you need a notary to come to you, an independent notary or a mobile service is your best option. Always ask the travel fee upfront—some notaries waive it if you're signing multiple documents or if the location is very close to their office.

Online notary services and remote notarization costs

Online notaries verify your identity through video, watch you sign the document, and explore their digital seal—all without meeting in person. This service costs $25 to $50 per document, though some charge per signature instead. The price is higher than in-person notarization because the notary must use identity verification technology and find software.

Online notary services are useful if you live far from any notary, need service outside business hours, or prefer not to leave home. Most require you to upload the document beforehand, schedule an appointment, and have a valid government ID ready. The entire process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Not all documents can be notarized online—some states restrict remote notarization for certain legal instruments, so check your state's rules before paying.

How to find the lowest price in your area

Start by calling your bank and asking if they notarize for free. If they do, you're done. If not, search online for "notary public near me" and call three to five options. Ask each one: "What is your fee to notarize [your specific document]?" and "Do you charge a travel fee?" Write down the answers so you can compare.

Check whether any local title companies, real estate offices, or law firms offer notary services—they sometimes do at no charge if you're already a customer. If you need the notary urgently and it's after hours, online notary services may be worth the extra cost. If you have time and want to save money, an independent notary charging the state minimum is usually your cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary must be a third party who is not a signer on the document. You cannot notarize your own signature or a document you have a financial interest in. The notary's job is to verify that you signed it willingly and that your ID matches your name.

Do I have to pay if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

No. If a notary believes the document is fraudulent, you lack proper ID, or you seem unwilling to sign, they can refuse. You should not be charged if they decline. However, if they begin the process and then refuse partway through, some notaries may charge a partial fee—ask before you start.

What if I need multiple documents notarized at once?

Ask the notary whether they charge per signature or per document. If they charge per signature and your documents have five signatures total, you pay for five signatures even if the documents are related. Some notaries offer a small discount for multiple documents, so it's worth asking.

Is an online notary as legal as an in-person notary?

Yes, in most states. Remote notarization is legal in all 50 states, though some states restrict which documents can be notarized online. Check your state's rules or ask the online notary whether your specific document type is allowed before you pay.

What should I bring to a notary appointment?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring the unsigned document and be ready to sign it in front of the notary. Do not sign before you arrive. If you're unsure whether your ID will work, call ahead and ask.