Notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, but the amount depends on where you go and what state sets the rules

A notary public charges by the signature, not by the document. One signature costs less than two signatures on the same paper. Most notaries charge between $5 and $15 per signature in their office, though some charge $20 to $25. A few states set a maximum fee by law — New York caps it at $2 per signature, while California allows up to $15. Other states leave it to the notary to decide.

Where you get the notary matters. A bank notary may charge nothing if you have an account there. A title company or real estate office charges more than a standalone notary shop. An online notary (video-based) typically costs $25 to $50 per signature because they handle the technology and identity verification. Mobile notaries who come to your home or office add a travel fee, usually $25 to $75 on top of the per-signature charge.

The total cost also depends on how many signatures the document needs. A power of attorney with one signature costs less than a deed with two signatures. Some notaries charge a flat fee for straightforward jobs — for example, $15 for one signature, $25 for two — rather than adding up per-signature charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature in their office, though some charge up to $25, and a few states set a legal maximum.
  • Bank notaries often charge nothing to account holders, making them the cheapest option if you may have access to.
  • Online notaries cost $25 to $50 per signature because they verify your identity through video and handle the technology.
  • Mobile notaries who travel to you add $25 to $75 on top of the per-signature fee.
  • The total bill depends on how many signatures the document needs, not the length or type of the document itself.

Where to find a notary and what each option costs

Your bank is the first place to check. Most banks offer notary services free to customers with an account, though some charge $5 to $10. Call ahead — not every branch has a notary on staff, and hours vary. Bring your ID and the unsigned document.

A notary public shop or office (often found in strip malls or near courthouses) charges $5 to $15 per signature. These are independent notaries or small businesses that do nothing but notarize. They are usually faster than banks because notarizing is their only job. Search online for "notary public near me" to find one in your area and call to confirm the fee before you go.

Real estate offices, title companies, and law offices notarize documents as part of their work. They may charge $10 to $25 per signature, or they may do it free if you are using them for a larger service (like buying a house). Ask when you book the appointment.

UPS Store and similar shipping centers often have notaries on staff. Fees run $5 to $15 per signature. Check the UPS Store locator online to see which locations near you have a notary, because not all do.

Online notaries cost more but work from home

An online notary (also called a remote notary) meets you by video call and notarizes the document electronically. You upload a photo of your ID and the document, join a video call, and the notary verifies your identity and watches you sign. The notary then adds their digital seal and signature.

Online notaries charge $25 to $50 per signature, roughly double the in-person rate. The higher cost covers the technology platform, identity verification software, and the notary's time on a video call. Some charge a flat fee per document instead — for example, $35 for any document with one or two signatures.

Online notaries are useful if you live far from any notary office, work odd hours, or need the document notarized quickly. Most can complete the job within hours. However, not all documents can be notarized online — some states do not allow it for real estate deeds or certain financial documents. Check your state's rules before booking.

Mobile notaries come to you and charge a travel fee

A mobile notary travels to your home, office, or another location and notarizes the document there. This is useful if you are housebound, have a busy schedule, or need multiple documents notarized at once. The notary charges per signature plus a travel fee.

The per-signature charge is usually $10 to $20. The travel fee ranges from $25 to $75 depending on distance and how far the notary has to drive. Some mobile notaries charge a flat rate for the whole job — for example, $50 to $100 — rather than adding fees separately. Ask about the travel fee when you call, because it can double the total cost.

Mobile notaries are most common in cities and suburbs. In rural areas, you may have to drive to a notary office because no mobile notaries operate nearby. Search online for "mobile notary near me" to see what is available in your area.

State laws set the maximum fee in some places

A handful of states set a legal cap on what a notary can charge. New York limits notaries to $2 per signature. California allows up to $15. Florida allows up to $10. Most other states do not set a maximum, so notaries can charge whatever they want as long as they tell you the price before you pay.

Even in states with a cap, some notaries charge less. A bank notary in New York might charge nothing, even though the state allows $2. Always ask the price before the notary does the work so there are no surprises.

If a notary charges more than the state maximum, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office, which oversees notary licensing. However, the easiest solution is to find a different notary.

What affects the total cost of notarizing a document

The number of signatures is the biggest factor. A document with one signature costs less than one with three. Some notaries charge per signature; others charge a flat fee per document. Ask which method they use.

The type of document does not matter to the fee. A notary charges the same to notarize a power of attorney as a bank statement, as long as the number of signatures is the same. The length of the document also does not affect the price.

Timing can matter. If you need the document notarized the same day or within a few hours, some notaries charge a rush fee of $10 to $25 extra. Online notaries often work faster than in-person notaries, but they charge more per signature to begin with.

Whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you changes the cost. In-office notarizing is cheapest. Mobile notarizing adds a travel fee. Online notarizing costs more because of the technology and identity verification.

How to save money on notary fees

Use your bank first. If you have a checking or savings account, call your bank and ask if they notarize for free. Many do, and this is the cheapest option available.

Combine documents if you can. If you need two documents notarized, some notaries charge a flat fee for both rather than doubling the per-signature charge. Ask about this when you call.

Shop around. Call three notaries in your area and ask their per-signature fee and any travel or rush fees. Prices vary, and a few dollars difference adds up if you have multiple signatures.

Avoid rush fees if you can. Plan ahead so you do not need same-day notarizing. A rush fee can add $10 to $25 to your bill.

Use an in-office notary instead of a mobile notary if you can travel. You will save the $25 to $75 travel fee. If you are housebound or have no way to get to a notary, the travel fee is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the signer is not who they claim to be, if the signer appears to be under duress, or if the document looks forged or fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest — for example, if the signer is a family member or business partner. The notary does not have to explain their refusal in detail, and you will not get a refund.

Do I have to use a notary in my state, or can I use one from another state?

Most documents must be notarized by a notary licensed in the state where the document will be used or where the signer is located. An online notary from another state may be allowed in some cases, but not all. Check with the agency or court that will receive the document before you book an out-of-state notary.

What if I lose the notarized document?

The notary keeps a record of the notarization in their journal, but they cannot issue a copy of the document itself. You will need to get a new copy from whoever created the original document — your lawyer, your bank, or the government agency involved. You can then have the new copy notarized again, and you will pay the notary fee a second time.

How long does a notarization take?

In person, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes because the notary has to verify your identity through video. Mobile notaries take longer if they have to travel, but the actual notarization is the same 5 to 15 minutes.

Can I notarize a document for someone else, or do I have to be present?

You must be present in front of the notary. The notary has to see you sign the document and verify your identity with a photo ID. A notary cannot notarize a document you sign at home and mail in later. For online notarization, you must be on the video call while you sign.